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Metropolis Editors, Natural Habitat, sustainability, sustainable architecture

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What If Plastic Weren’t Plastic?

Partner Content

What If Plastic Weren’t Plastic?

Author: Metropolis Staff

What does “a plastic that’s not a plastic” mean? It means that Spanish manufacturer Andreu World has developed a revolutionary material not derived from fossil fuels to replace plastic in some of its most popular products. The BIO® thermopolymer, made by fermenting genetically modified bacteria and adding natural fillers and plant-based additives, was launched with the Patricia Urquiola-designed Nuez Lounge BIO armchair and has since been rolled out to other collections, including the Bolete Chair and Bolete Lounge BIO. Andreu World aims to progressively extend this novel, nontoxic material with a sustainability profile comparable to wood to more collections, so ongoing research and development are key to exploring new applications. 

Bolette Chair Bio. Courtesy of Andreu World.

Hailed by Andreu World as “possibly the most sustainable ever made,” Nuez Lounge BIO features a single sheet of the BIO thermopolymer as the seat and backrest, along with two other proprietary materials: Pure ECO® thermopolymer for the hidden shells and Circular ONE®, an upholstery fabric made from PET bottles and textile waste. With no glues used in its assembly, Nuez Lounge BIO easily breaks down for repairs or reupholstery. All wood comprising the chair is 100% FSC certified. And overall, the durable BIO thermopolymer stands up well against weather and high temperatures, is easy to clean and maintain, and does not scratch or stain.

The process of making the Nuez Lounge BIO seat and back as one BIO thermopolymer sheet. Courtesy of Andreu World.

BIO thermopolymer now comes in a range of rich, earthy tones including sand, basalt grey, and oxide red that Urquiola says draws from the Mediterranean landscape and the colors of its natural elements. “Celebrating the quiet elegance of natural materials, the palette aims to foster calm and serene environments,” she notes. 

New Mediterranean-inspired color palette for BIO thermopolymer. Courtesy of Andreu World.

Since Andreu World is steadfast in its responsibility for a product’s entire life cycle, Urquiola worked with the manufacturer to apply a circular design philosophy to the Nuez collection, “focusing not only on the materials but also on simplified disassembly options that can extend the product’s life cycle,” the designer explains. “This is how Nuez Lounge BIO was designed and developed, using a 100% recyclable, naturally derived thermopolymer.”

Courtesy of Andreu World.

This approach ensures the bioplastic leaves no remnants when a product reaches the end of its useful life. Because it’s biodegradable and compostable, the material can return to nature, while other components can be recycled into new raw materials and products to complete the circular design cycle. And as a testament to its rigorous environmental initiative with this innovative new material, Andreu World has been recognized with a 2026 Metropolis Planet Positive Award for the BIO® thermopolymer.