Every year, thousands of tons of wood and textile materials are discarded in Denmark. These are resources often mistakenly labeled as "waste" simply because they don't fit the standard dimensions of large furniture manufacturers. At Underflod, we don't see waste; we see potential.
In this post, we delve into how we can reverse the trend by designing "backwards," and how materials that were otherwise destined for incineration end up as timeless interior pieces in your home.
How much do we actually throw away?
It's difficult to give a precise figure for the total waste in the furniture industry, as much of it is hidden behind closed doors in production. However, we know that wood waste from the industry constitutes a massive portion of the total waste volume in Denmark.
The problem is often the modern trend towards rapid turnover and trend-based collections. When production is optimized for speed, the sorting out of "uneven" materials becomes extensive. A knot in the wood or an odd leftover piece from a tabletop is quickly discarded, even though the quality of the raw material itself is perfectly fine.
Designing backwards: The material dictates the form
For most interior brands, the process begins with a drawing of a finished product. Then, materials are ordered that fit the drawing precisely.
At Underflod, we do the opposite. We call it designing backwards.
We start by looking at the residual materials available from our partners. This could be excess wood from a Danish flooring manufacturer or remnants from exclusive tabletops. Instead of forcing the material into a fixed form, we let the size and structure of the material dictate what it will become. It's a playful, yet deeply respectful way of working with natural materials.
From surplus wood to kitchen favorites
Our approach means that every single product has a story even before it lands on your shelf. Here are three examples of how we transform residual materials into functional aesthetics:
1. The No. 6 Knife Holder
Our No. 6 Knife Holder is a perfect example of architectural minimalism created from surplus material. It is produced from solid, recycled oak, which boasts a quality rarely found in mass-produced alternatives. By using precisely these offcuts, we create a product that is both sturdy and simple, and that solves a task in the kitchen without taking up too much space.
2. Underflod's cutting boards
We utilize the natural grain of the wood and let it stand out as part of the design. Because we use the highest quality wood, you get a product that can withstand daily use for generations, rather than ending up as another "buy and throw away" product.
3. Serving trays with meaning
Our serving trays are a good example of how we utilize the surfaces of residual material. We use pieces that are too small for flooring but perfect for serving coffee or organizing things on the kitchen counter. It's about finding the right function for the right size of wood.
Production with social responsibility
It's not just materials that get a new lease on life at Underflod. For us, environmental sustainability is inextricably linked to social responsibility.
All our products are manufactured in Denmark, and we are proud of our collaboration with Danish prisons and social economic workshops. Here, inmates and vulnerable citizens have the opportunity to work with high-quality materials and contribute to a production they can be proud of. This provides a meaningful daily life and ensures that our products carry a deeper value than just their appearance.
Choose fewer, but better products
The world doesn't need more furniture; it needs better furniture. By choosing products created from residual materials, we support a future where we use the resources we already have.
When you invest in a piece of interior design or furniture from Underflod, you're not just buying a product. You're buying a part of a story about respect for materials, craftsmanship, and people.
Do you want to make a difference in your home decor?
Explore our collection created from recycled materials, and find your next favorite among our knife holders, cutting boards, and trays.
