From Prototype to Revolution: An Inspiring Journey of Sustainable Design
Embarking on a transformative journey from mere concept to innovative design brand, the OTO Chair elegantly showcases the potential of and demand for sustainable furniture. The brainchild of Italian designers Alessandro Stabile and Martinelli Venezia, the chair encapsulates a harmonious blend of eco-conscious design and function.
In 2019, Stabile and Venezia designed the OTO Chair, or the 1:1 as it’s also known. Created through the innovative process of plastic injection molding, the chair was made from recycled industrial plastic. Remarkably lightweight, sturdy, and shipped flat-packed, the chair also embodies user-friendly design as it’s ready for tool-free assembly by its owners.
Fast forward to 2023, and this promising prototype has evolved into a flourishing circular brand, standing tall as a testament to the continuous growth of sustainable design. This remarkable journey was made possible by the collective efforts of two pioneering design studios and an investor’s supportive hand.
The OTO Chair champions the belief that sustainability extends beyond the material used, reaching into the realms of design, production, shipping, and even recycling. It was this idea that prompted the decision to use industrial recycled plastic, curbing the production of additional materials and mitigating pollution. Fueled by their commitment to making a difference, the creators forged a partnership with Italian startup Ogyre that collects plastic from the seas. A fraction of the profits earned from OTO sales goes towards this cause, setting a precedent for environmental responsibility.
Inspired by the world of miniature model kits, the designers envisaged a chair that would emerge from a single mold. Though the initial concept had to be modified for practical reasons, the chair components are made from a single plastic block, echoing the simplicity of its original vision.
A manufacturing process that always puts environmental protection first.
A distinguishing feature of the OTO Chair lies in its green packaging. Crafted from recycled pulp, the packaging mirrors the chair’s design, resembling the model kits from the designers’ childhoods. The duo wanted to create an emotional connection between the product and user, reminiscent of the joy experienced while assembling miniature models.
The meticulous design and manufacturing process has also lowered costs and improved energy efficiency. The creators leveraged smart design to minimize material use and waste, developing a production method that uses a third less steel compared to a traditional polyurethane foam chair. Additionally, the company uses a direct-to-consumer approach, focusing on online sales to reduce CO2 emissions and waste significantly. It’s this combination of affordability, sustainability, and quality that has been central to the chair’s market appeal. With every purchase, buyers not only acquire a piece of practical furniture but also contribute to marine waste clean-up, witnessing the tangible impact of their contribution.
The most crucial stride in this journey was finding investors who echoed the designers’ faith in the project. Alex Pecoraro, an entrepreneur with a penchant for environmental projects, chose to invest in the OTO idea. Under Pecoraro’s guidance, the OTO Chair has been scaled up from a solitary product to a distinct brand – One To One. Cementing its place in the market, the OTO Chair is set to be exhibited at the prestigious Fuorisalone event in Alcova, with a corresponding video installation detailing its design process. This isn’t the end of the road, however, as Stabile and Venezia plan to expand the One To One brand, launching more products, each adhering to the principles that have led to the creation of the OTO Chair. Thus, the OTO Chair isn’t just a product; it’s a philosophy and a sustainable blueprint for the future.
