This spring, Danish design brand Mater proudly commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Ocean Collection, originally created in 1955 by the legendary design duo Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel. As a fusion of design heritage and modern sustainability, Mater has reimagined the collection since 2019 using recycled materials, offering a compelling model for future-forward furniture production.
First conceived as the Havestol or "garden chair," the Ocean Collection was originally produced in wood veneer with a frame of lacquered steel tubes in red, white, or black, and paired with laminated beech seats in ash or teak veneer. It was manufactured briefly by Poul Kolds Savværk in Kerteminde, Denmark. Now, 70 years later, the collection continues to shine as a beacon of Scandinavian design, re-envisioned through responsible innovation.
To celebrate the milestone, Mater has released a new campaign featuring imagery captured at Nanna Ditzel's former summer house in Northern Zealand—now owned by her daughter, Vita Ditzel. Select photographs highlight the home's original interiors designed by Ditzel herself, including a preserved 1955 chair in white steel and wood veneer. The collection is a testament to what Mater calls "a vision of how today's waste streams can be transformed into beautiful and durable furniture."
Since its relaunch, the Ocean Collection now includes four colourways: Black, Sand, Green, and Burnt Red—each tied to a different waste stream. The Black and Sand versions are crafted from recycled fishing nets and hard plastics. According to Mater, 'One Ocean Chair in Black or Sand recycles 1.62 kg of waste materials.'
The Green variant originally utilised recycled Carlsberg beer kegs, but has since transitioned to pharma plastic waste due to supply limitations. This version "is made from recycled pharma plastic waste, such as discarded insulin pens." The press materials add: 'Pharma plastic waste is derived from the polypropylene (PP) fraction of medical waste, sourced exclusively from within Europe.' Each Green chair recycles 2.1 kg of material.
Burnt Red versions of the collection are made from post-consumer electronic waste, including plastics from end-of-life appliances like fridges and keyboards. 'One Ocean Chair in Burnt Red recycles 1.84 kg of waste materials,' according to Mater.
The Ditzels, celebrated as one of the 20th century's most influential design teams, launched their studio in 1946. After Jørgen Ditzel's death in 1961, Nanna Ditzel continued to design independently, becoming a pioneering woman in a male-dominated field. She remained creatively active until her death in 2005, known for her organic aesthetics and inventive use of materials that redefined Danish design.
Mater was the first furniture company to develop products from recycled fishing nets. Its approach has since inspired others across the industry. The anniversary campaign and Ocean Collection reaffirm the brand's commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and enduring design.
More information:
Mater
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