Designer Introduces Shape-Shifting, Circular Furniture to Curb Plastic Waste | Loope

FDT Bureau

Polish designer Tomek Rygalik recently introduced an innovative and environmentally conscious furniture brand called Loope, rooted in the principles of circular design. This pioneering venture aims to redefine how we perceive and interact with plastic furniture, offering a compelling model that blends sustainability, practicality and aesthetic value. The concept is straightforward yet transformative where consumers can return used furniture when they no longer need it, and in return, receive a new product that is crafted from the same recycled plastic at no additional cost. Know more about it on FURNITURE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (FDT).

Loope’s products are created from recycled polyethylene, a robust and weather-resistant material known for its capacity to be repurposed multiple times without significant degradation. The raw materials are sourced from excess plastic waste generated by a rotational moulding factory that typically produces playground equipment, kayaks and garden accessories like flower pots. By repurposing this industrial waste, Rygalik has turned what would otherwise be landfill-bound material into a sustainable design opportunity.

What sets Loope apart is its closed-loop production model, managed entirely under one roof. From material sourcing and moulding to product recycling and redistribution, the entire life cycle of each furniture piece is tightly controlled. This not only guarantees the integrity and quality of the recycled plastic across generations but also drastically reduces contamination risks and environmental impact. When a customer returns a Loope product, it is not discarded but it is transformed. A chair can become a table; a bench can evolve into a planter. This process of shapeshifting furniture opens new doors for sustainable living, where longevity and adaptability replace disposability.

The idea behind Loope was sparked when Rygalik was approached to design a collection of outdoor furniture. Rather than merely designing another range, he saw a chance to build an entirely new brand founded on circularity. The result is a furniture line that marries timeless form with durable materials. Five distinct product lines form the brand’s offering. One of them, Rounder, is a modular collection that uses vertical pillars of various heights which can be topped with seats or tables. The Fat Table follows a similar modular principle with chunky, pillar-like legs supporting slender high-pressure laminate (HPL) tops. The Armstrong series features sturdy armchairs, benches and tables. The Allin chair pairs a curved shell seat with a choice of metal, wood or aluminium bases. Lastly, OneL is an L-shaped seating system meant for public spaces, seamlessly combining benches, armchairs and even planters. Additionally, Loope also made its debut at the Milan Design Week, where it was met with an overwhelmingly positive reception.

Image credit: Studio Rygalik