British brand TYPO launches its first circularity-driven product, Replica, made from yoghurt pots

Studio TYPO is a design practice driven by circularity in design. They make furniture, art and design products using pioneering and sustainable materials in a fully transparent way.

Here we share the interview with its founder, Alex, and TYPO’s Replica stool made from yogurt pots.

Tell us more about your background. How did you get into furniture design?

My journey into furniture design stemmed from a desire to transition from the digital world of graphic design into the tangible realm of physical objects. After graduating with an MA in Graphic Design from the London College of Communications in 2006, I co-founded a successful design consultancy in London.

However, my passion for creating something you can touch and feel led me to explore furniture design. Inspired by the clean lines and functionality of typography, my first foray into furniture design was with ByAlex, where I introduced products like The A Stool, which was a hit due to its distinctive graphic style and functionality.

What is different about TYPO in comparison to other brands in the market?

TYPO sets itself apart from other brands in the market through its unwavering commitment to sustainability and customer-centric design. We address the issue of waste and unwanted designs by implementing a pre-order model driven by circularity. By collaborating with different makers and production specialists for each collection, we ensure diversity in our offerings while minimising waste and environmental impact.

What are your values as a brand and in terms of furniture design and production?

Our values as a brand are deeply rooted in sustainability and thoughtful design. We believe in creating products that are effortlessly functional, beautifully simple, and exceptionally crafted. We are committed to combating throwaway culture by producing quality items engineered to last, all while being considerate of the planet and its resources.

Why circularity and transparency are important in furniture design?

Circular design and transparency are crucial in furniture production for several reasons. Firstly, embracing circularity allows us to minimise waste and maximise the lifespan of our products, ultimately reducing our environmental footprint. Secondly, transparency fosters trust and accountability with our customers, as they deserve to know the origins of the materials used in their furniture and the impact it has on the environment.

Tell us more about your debut piece, the Replica Stool. Why the name and how was it designed and manufactured?

The Replica Stool, our debut piece under the TYPO brand, embodies our commitment to sustainability and innovative design. Crafted from 100% recycled waste, including yoghurt pots, and produced in collaboration with Smile Plastics, the stool showcases our dedication to using alternative materials in furniture production.

Its name, Replica, came from the actual typeface used for the stool – designed by the Swiss agency Norm from Switzerland. In addition, the material looks and feels like marble, yet it is derived from recycled yoghurt lids, giving it a contemporary twist. Designed with both versatility and sustainability in mind, the Replica Stool exemplifies the ethos of “Quiet Luxury,” delivering a harmonious design that contributes to well-being while embodying understated sophistication.

What are your plans for the near future and vision for the brand?

Looking ahead, we envision TYPO becoming a leading force in sustainable furniture, art, and design. Our plans include continuing to collaborate with like-minded makers and specialists for each collection, ensuring diversity and innovation in our offerings. We aim to expand our product range while maintaining our commitment to circularity and transparency.

By adopting a pre-order model and producing in small, limited batches, we aim to gauge customer interest and demand accurately while minimising overproduction. Additionally, we will continue to explore new materials and production techniques to further reduce our environmental impact and inspire positive change within the industry.

For more information please visit typo.uk

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