Boss Design is proud to announce the launch of Remi, a groundbreaking tub chair designed for lounge settings that marks a significant step forward in the sustainability of our business and the wider furniture industry. Traditionally, the cushions in furniture like Remi are made from injection-moulded polyurethane (PU) foam, a material known for its reliance on fossil fuels and limited recycling opportunities, often ending up in landfills.

However, with Remi, we are pioneering the use of Bio-Pur® – an innovative bio foam made from renewable raw materials instead of fossil fuels. According to our supplier, Interfoam, Bio-Pur® has a carbon footprint that is 75% lower than conventional PU foam. This advancement allows furniture designers to maintain the workability and durability of PU foam while significantly reducing the environmental impact.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint by 75%

Bio-Pur® is created using a biomass-balanced approach, replacing the fossil fuel component in the polymer with renewable sources. Biomethane, produced through the anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste, and bio-naphtha, derived from vegetable oils, form the core feedstock. This process not only eliminates methane emissions but also consumes organic waste, preventing further carbon release into the atmosphere.

Uncompromised Quality and Performance

Bio-Pur® matches the physical and chemical properties of conventional PU foam, offering durability, resilience, and the ability to be produced in varying densities through cold-cured injection moulding. This gave our designers the flexibility to craft Remi with flowing, curvaceous lines and a beautiful organic form, all while employing a more sustainable production process. Remi’s aesthetic appeal is matched by its resilient, supportive, and highly durable bio foam cushioning.

Furthermore, Bio-Pur® is halogen-free and compliant with Crib-5, POPS, and PFAS standards, containing no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde, ensuring safe air quality in any environment.

Future Sustainability Efforts

Currently, Remi is the only product in our range utilizing Bio-Pur®, but we are committed to transitioning other products, including Amelia, Paloma, Marnie, Manta, and more, to this sustainable material. Importantly, because Bio-Pur® mirrors the characteristics of conventional PU foam, we can use existing machinery and molds, avoiding the carbon and monetary costs of retooling.

For instance, our Amelia chair, typically comprising 46% PU foam with an embodied carbon of 30.45kg CO2e, will see its carbon footprint reduced to 23.12kg CO2e – a 24.1% drop when using Bio-Pur®.

This initiative showcases Bio-Pur®'s potential to revolutionize the sustainability of our furniture and sets a precedent for other manufacturers to follow.