Sustainability and Design: The 111 Navy® Chair by Emeco

The 111 Navy Chair by Emeco is an exemplary fusion of sustainability and design. Born from a collaboration between Emeco and Coca-Cola, this chair is crafted from approximately 170 recycled plastic bottles, embodying both environmental consciousness and innovative design. This article will delve into the historical context, development process, and design principles that make the 111 Navy Chair a significant piece in the world of applied and decorative arts.

Historical Perspective

The 111 Navy Chair’s origins trace back to the iconic 1006 Navy Chair, designed by Wilton C. Dinges in 1944 for the U.S. Navy. Commissioned to withstand the harsh conditions aboard naval submarines, the original aluminium chair exemplified durability and functionality. Fast-forward to 2006, when Coca-Cola sought to address the environmental impact of its plastic bottles, leading to a groundbreaking partnership with Emeco. The goal was to create a sustainable chair that retained its predecessor’s strength and aesthetic appeal.

Development and Innovation

Creating a durable chair from recycled PET plastic posed significant challenges. At the time, recycled PET was commonly used in products like T-shirts and bags not designed for heavy-duty use. Emeco’s engineering team spent four years developing a material that combined recycled PET plastic with glass fibre and colour pigment. This innovative blend resulted in a sturdy, scratch-resistant chair that met commercial strength and fire retardancy standards.

The production process begins with six kilograms of plastic pellets melted and injection-molded into the shape of the original Navy Chair. An H brace is added to enhance stability, and skilled craftsmen smooth out any imperfections. The final product, the 111 Navy Chair, is a testament to Emeco’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Design and Functionality

The 111 Navy Chair is available in various colours, including red, charcoal, and grey, making it suitable for various interiors and outdoor settings. Its minimalist design, inherited from the 1006 Navy Chair, complements contemporary spaces while offering a nod to mid-20th-century aesthetics. The chair’s one-piece construction ensures it is robust and capable of withstanding tough use, whether in a dining room or an outdoor cafe.

Environmental Impact

Since its launch, the 111 Navy Chair has prevented millions of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills. Emeco and Coca-Cola have demonstrated the potential of sustainable design by transforming waste into functional and desirable objects. Emeco’s CEO, Gregg Buchbinder, aptly summarized this achievement: “We’ve turned something many people throw away into something you want and can keep for a long, long time” (as cited in Forbes).

Conclusion

The 111 Navy Chair by Emeco is more than just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of sustainable innovation in design. Emeco has set a standard for the future of the decorative and applied arts by seamlessly integrating recycled materials into a product with historical significance and modern appeal. The chair’s blend of durability, functionality, and environmental responsibility makes it a standout piece that deserves recognition and appreciation.

Sources

Green Consumption: The Global Rise of Eco-Chic. (2020). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. https://amzn.to/4bFj13e

Hudson, J. (2013). The Design Book. United Kingdom: Orion.

KP62 | EN | Palette: Threemonthly architecture and design magazine. (2019). (n.p.): Reconbird LLC.

Micklethwaite, P. (2021). Beyond Recycling. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

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