World Environment Day (5th June) celebrates its 50th Anniversary with this year’s focus on beating plastic pollution.

Tying in with this year’s theme, we highlight some plastic-free and waste plastic products that are helping homeowners transform their homes into stylish spaces.

A wealth of cork

Granorte continues to champion the use of cork for home surfaces. Their products utilise waste cork from the Portuguese wine industry and environmentally responsible cork harvest. Along with providing a sustainable alternative to plastic, cork also plays its part in absorbing carbon.

The role of cork in preventing global warming is significant. The cork bark of the tree regenerates itself after harvesting, and it is known that a harvested cork tree absorbs three to five times more carbon. A recent study indicated that Portuguese cork forests can absorb 4.8 million tons of carbon each year, and it is estimated that Mediterranean cork forests can absorb over 14 million tons of carbon per year.

Repurposing waste plastic

Sisal & Seagrass launched its Ocean Clear Carpets in 2022 following a growing demand for sustainable carpets that balance style and ethos.

Pacific is made from 100% recycled plastic fishing nets, while the Atlantic collection comprises 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Pictured L to R – Atlantic-Seal-Panama, Pacific-Abyss & Pacific-Spindrift.

Switching to Natural

Rugs have always been a popular way to create focal interest, add layering, and co-ordinate colour themes.

Huddle Collection has introduced four colour options within its Scallop Edged Jute Rug collection that showcase their love of bright, playful colours and sculptural patterns while celebrating the aesthetics of natural jute fibres.