In a world where sustainability and innovation reign supreme, Reform Design Lab, founded in 2021 as a result of a Swedish science project initiated by the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, has quickly made waves with its groundbreaking approach to large-scale 3D printing and sustainable design practices. In an exclusive interview with Måns Broman, CEO at Reform Design Lab, we delve into the origins of the company, its recent participation at Stockholm Furniture Fair and its vision for the future.
Måns Broman, CEO at Reform Design Lab, and the Reform Lounge Chair.
Exploring 3D printing
Reform Design Lab was born out of a desire to explore the possibilities of large-scale 3D printing. The company officially started in 2021, following the success of a Swedish science project initiated by the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden in 2017. 'We wanted to examine the possibilities of large scale 3D printing using recyclable materials. It was during this project that we designed the Reform Lounge Chair,' Måns explains. The chair, made from premium biocomposite, is entirely circular. 'It was quite difficult, because when we started the project we had to more or less source the materials ourselves. So it took a while before we found the right type. We work with big companies, rather than small streams of waste. We want to develop as few new circular loops as possible.'
The project led to the launch of the company a few years later. 'It became clear to us that the project was successful. We got a lot of media attention that encouraged us to keep on going. We were the first company in the world that had access to this type of technology. The technology itself had been around for a few years, but it wasn't commercially available yet. So during the project we developed a program that was able to print large scale items. It basically works like a glue gun: you put the material in one end, heat it up and the product comes out.'
The stand of Reform Design Lab at Stockholm Furniture Fair.
Sustainable materials
Incorporating technology and sustainable materials into the design process has been a journey of innovation and collaboration. Initially, sourcing sustainable materials posed a challenge, but through partnerships with companies like Stora Enso in Sweden and UPM in Finland, Reform Design Lab has been able to utilise recycled materials in their manufacturing process. 'We think it's better to use materials that are already in use, so we don't need to invent a new circular loop. We grind them down an make something new out of it,' Måns explains. 'We've also been examining new materials, such as textile waste streams. That's a huge problem right now. Soon new regulations are implemented that stipulate that everything sold in Sweden, and in other countries in the European Union, need to be circular on a national level. We think we can be a part of this transition, by taking waste and upcycling it into new products. We've already tried it, so we know it works.'
Reform Design Lab works with engineers and scientists to make sure they do everything they can to improve the sustainability of their products. 'We start with the problem and then work towards the solution. I think one huge problem with the design industry, is that designers and manufacturers think that they are scientists and engineers, when in fact they are not. They think they are sustainable, but they're not aware of all the other possibilities. So I think it's crucial to work with people that understand and know everything about this,' Måns says.
On the left: the FRAKTUR lamp, designed by Alexander Lervik. On the right: the Coulisse screen wall, developed with Swt paper.
Stockholm Furniture Fair
At Stockholm Furniture Fair last month Reform Design Lab showed their known 3D printed objects that they have had for a few years, as well as some new products: the new sustainable screen wall Coulisse, and the FRAKTUR lamp, designed by Alexander Lervik.
The new Coulisse screen wall has been developed in collaboration with Swt paper, a leading company in the development of sustainable paper-based materials. 'With them, we make extremely sustainable products aimed for workspaces and offices. The first one is the acoustic room divider, Coulisse, with a ridiculously low amount of CO2. You have no trouble to find an acoustic room divider with ten times the amount of CO2,' Måns says. The room divider is a lightweight panel made from recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
FRAKTUR is a 3D printed, cubistic lamp made from sand. 'We wanted to try this technology and we think the result was quite stunning.' The well-known designer Alexander Lervik was the very first designer Reform Design Lab has collaborated with. 'The process was very easy-going. We started as designers as well, so we know the process.'
The visitors at the fair were very enthusiastic about the products the company showed. 'We received a lot of positive feedback. We have big visions for the future and look forward to collaborate more to make sustainable products.'
More information:
Reform Design Lab
Drottninggatan 28
432 44 Varberg, Sweden
[email protected]
www.reformlab.se