Studio MOZI from Gdynia has unveiled a prototype collection of furniture and lamps that could set a new direction in sustainable design. It was created from PHA and PHB biopolymers – new-generation, fully biodegradable and compostable materials that do not leave behind microplastics or toxic residues. It is a proposal that has the potential to become a viable alternative to traditional plastics in the furniture industry.
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) and PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) are natural biopolyesters produced by microorganisms from renewable raw materials and biomass. They are formed under environmental stress conditions as a form of energy storage and decompose in soil, water or compost without leaving harmful residues. Importantly, their production does not require petrochemical raw materials, making them extremely environmentally friendly.
We wanted to see if it was possible to create objects in a small workshop that truly met the biodegradability criteria, without half-measures. We became interested in PHA and PHB because they are environmentally neutral materials and free of marketing myths,’ emphasises Ziemowit Liszek, co-founder of Studio MOZI.
The MOZI project is not only a technological experiment, but also a response to the problem of greenwashing in the industry. The team used PHB granules, from which – based on Precious Plastics technology – they produced solid semi-finished boards. These were then used to create furniture and lamps, complemented by recycled aluminium elements cast in their own workshop. All processes, from the production of the boards to the final assembly, were carried out locally, without outsourcing, based on in-house technological facilities. This proves that innovation can be born in small studios when designers and scientists work hand in hand.
The premiere of the collection took place at the tuBaza space in Gdynia. The exhibition was prepared in accordance with the zero waste principle – leftover materials and recycled plywood were used, which further emphasised the consistency of the approach to sustainable design.
Work on the project is still in progress. Studio MOZI is developing materials and technologies in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of designers, technologists and biochemists. The aim is to further refine the biopolymers and develop methods for their application in design on a larger scale.
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About the designers:
Studio MOZI is a multidisciplinary studio working at the intersection of art and design, formed by Monika Gradzik and Ziemowit Liszek. The team is known for projects balancing between craftsmanship, material experimentation and contemporary art. Their productions combine digital technologies, traditional sculptural techniques and a sustainable approach.
source: MOZI
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