After 3 years of development and specification, we set ourselves one objective:
Create a brand of sustainable furniture and objects by giving an alternative to the traditional furniture industry.
Introducing Duplex: a company specializing in circular furniture and objects, made from surplus and industrial by-products.
United by a passion for sustainability, we collaborated to find innovative solutions for a more durable future.
*data from: ec.europa.eu, StatBel, takt.cph, ikea.com
2,5bil
The EU produces more than 2.5 billion tons of waste per year.*
In Belgium, the industry is the sector producing the most waste, with an average of 37 million tonnes.*
37m
Around 50% of the production cost of an item comes from the raw materials used.*
50%
The raw materials of an item can account for up to 70% of its environmental impact.*
70%
To achieve this, we rely on three pillars:
[1]Circularity
We prioritize using upcycled raw materials:
Upcycling raw materials allows us to give a new life to discarded or surplus materials, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. By incorporating upcycled materials into our products, we contribute to the circular economy by closing the loop on resource use.
[2]Durability
We emphasize reparability and flat-pack design:
We significantly extend the lifespan of our products while reducing the need for replacements. Our pieces are constructed through mechanical assembly. This ensures repairability, facilitating easy maintenance and servicing of our furniture, thereby enhancing its longevity. Additionally, the flat-pack design streamlines assembly, reducing transportation emissions and minimizing packaging waste. Each component can be efficiently packaged for assembly upon delivery or disassembled for replacement.
[3]Production
We prioritize local and on-demand manufacturing:
This allows us to respond more efficiently to customer demands, avoiding overproduction and unnecessary stockpiling of inventory.
To ensure our impact, we have certified our approach and manufacturing processes through various organizations such as:
Our process:
[1]Sourcing
We source our materials from unused resources provided by industrial companies. Our team analyzes surplus, waste, offcuts, and by-product streams. Once we secure a substantial amount of materials, we initiate regular in-house raw material storage.
[2]Standardization
To streamline and simplify the design and the production process, we reformat materials based on our production guidelines and machine capabilities. This step accelerates the overall workflow, ensuring efficiency in every stage of the manufacturing process.
[3]Eco-conception
We integrate environmental considerations into our product design. Drawing directly from materials, we embark on the eco-design process. We are focusing on material selection, mechanical assembly efficiency, durability, and ease of repair.
[4]Production
Operating on a demand-driven production model and utilizing our proprietary production process, we ensure a seamless manufacturing experience. This approach not only guarantees the quality of our products but also eliminates issues related to furniture storage and delivery, making our process more efficient and sustainable.
