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Profim Revo | 2022
Profim Revo | 2022
 


Designers: PearsonLloyd Design Ltd., London, England
Manufacturer: Flokk AS., Oslo, Norway


Profim Revo - Endlessly configurable, infinitely recyclable Recognising that the climate crisis urgently demands a radical rethinking of the way in which upholstered contract furniture is made, and keen to address the rapid global working culture, the designers were asked to develop a furniture family that responded to both. The result is Revo. Revo is a configurable, customizable seating collection that includes sofas, benches, screens, and stools in softly contoured, organic shapes. This simple and striking aesthetic identity was inspired by the concept of “squaring the circle,” creating a gentle geometric language that makes the collection distinctive, but also allows it to be assembled in a huge number of different ways. Revo’s seats and screens are complemented by a range of tables of different sizes and heights, supporting a range of tasks, from focused individual work to formal meetings and brainstorming around the coffee table.  

Minimizing energy consumption at all stages of production – from manufacture to shipping – was a priority, so the designers have worked to ensure that all stages of the process are as energy- and carbon-efficient as possible. For this reason, conventional upholstery methods were replaced by a new method of manufacture. Plywood commonly used to make large upholstery frames, was swapped for recycled expanded polypropylene (REPP) which reduces the product weight by around 40%, and unlike plywood, it can be recycled multiple times. REPP is a highly versatile closed-cell bead foam with a host of beneficial properties, including outstanding energy absorption, an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to impact, water, and chemicals. Most importantly, it is 100% recyclable and re-mouldable. With no additives (such as glass fibre), REPP can be endlessly remolded, meaning that at the end of its life, it can become a new product.  

Because The REPP used by Profim is already recycled – representing 90% of the total product volume – minimal new materials are created to build the collection. All Revo components can be separated into their component materials and returned to the manufacturing cycle. The internal foam pads are not glued which means they can be easily replaced if damaged. Upholstery is fixed onto the folded EPP using only a tethered drawstring, further facilitating disassembly. The upholstery can be replaced in situ in under 10 minutes by a nonskilled person, avoiding further transport impact and extending product life. In total, 74% of the materials used to make Revo are recyclable – compared to 5% in the equivalent wood structure. Revo generates a carbon footprint of 176 kgCO2 in production and 9.5 kgCO2 in transportation – respectively, 6% and 40% less than conventional wood-based furniture construction.  

The collection is manufactured in Poland, using local supply chains; just three molds are used to make all components in the collection and the lightweight material significantly reduces the carbon cost of transporting the furniture, too. With the launch of Revo, Profim has not only established a dynamic new design language for workplace seating, but it has also taken a major step towards making the circular economy a viable reality in its sector. 


Profim Revo | 2022

Profim Revo | 2022

Profim Revo | 2022

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Green Good Design
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