Coffee grounds, rubber flip-flops, cardboard and plastic caps are normally associated with waste — but finalist products from the Prêmio Salão Design show that these materials can be repurposed for furniture. Through research and creativity, professional and student designers demonstrate that unconventional raw materials can result in furniture that balances function, aesthetics and sustainability.
The 27th Prêmio Salão Design exhibition, presented at the Movelsul Brasil trade fair, taking place from August 17 to 20 in Bento Gonçalves (RS), Brazil, features 116 finalist products from the 27th edition of one of Latin America’s most traditional furniture design competitions. Among the highlights are 16 pieces in the “Reuse” category, which proposed the use of materials with a sustainable approach. The fair is open to visitors from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday) and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursday). Visitors simply need to register through the movelsul.com.br website.
Recycled Cardboard and Earth
Designed by Gabriel De La Cruz Mota and Domingos Tótora, the Sobrepor Table is composed of approximately 95% reused materials by volume, including recycled cardboard, earth and water. The transformation of cardboard using a proprietary technique creates a material with unique properties, textures and tones not found in conventional materials. The tabletop is made from reclaimed wood sourced from demolition sites. The piece won an award in the professional category of “Reuse.”
Rubber Flip-Flops
Made from 100% recycled rubber from post-consumer flip-flops, the Resola Stool and Side Table embraces the Zero Waste concept, promoting a circular economy. Durable, solid and without an internal structure, the piece was designed by Luiz Claudio Livoti (Desmobilia).
Textile Industry Waste
The main distinguishing feature of the Converso Bench is the innovative use of resin and textile industry waste, ensuring high structural strength and a unique aesthetic for each composite developed. The structure is made from reclaimed Riga pine wood. Designed by Brenda Kariny Almeida Caldas Silva (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), the piece won an award in the student category — and also earned Brenda the title of Student Highlight in the 27th edition of the Prêmio Salão Design.
Coffee Grounds
According to the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association, Brazil generates more than 1 million tons of coffee grounds every year — an organic waste material with significant potential for reuse, but one that remains largely unexplored. With the aim of repurposing this material, Maria Heloísa de Queiroz Rodrigues, a student at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná, presents the Messa Torrô, whose biocomposite tabletop incorporates 9 kg of recycled coffee grounds.
Glass Fragments
With the Araucária Side Table, designer Carol Gay proposes a reflection on the reuse of materials. The metal base is inspired by the shapes of araucaria trees. The main highlight is the tabletop, which uses a material rarely explored by the furniture industry: production waste from the blown-glass industry. She applied the fusing technique to shape and fuse the glass fragments, recreating their form and finish.
Plastic Caps
Designed by Luciano Rocha, the Sorriso Chair was created with the goal of generating a positive social impact in a community of recyclers in Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil. The seat and backrest are made from approximately 3,600 recycled plastic caps collected by a community school.
ABOUT PRÊMIO SALÃO DESIGN
The Prêmio Salão Design has been organized since 1988 by the Sindicato das Indústrias do Mobiliário de Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), with the aim of bringing designers and manufacturers closer together. In addition to making the furniture sector more competitive, innovative and sustainable, the award creates an international showcase for the talent of professionals and students, fostering partnerships and recognition in the market. Over nearly 40 years, the competition has received more than 17,000 entries from participants in 39 countries. The 27th edition has Interprint and Duratex as master sponsors, Akeo as standard sponsor, and Renna, SCA and Todeschini as special sponsors. The exhibition at Movelsul Brasil is made possible through the Rouanet Law.
ABOUT MOVELSUL BRASIL
Held since 1977 by the Sindicato das Indústrias do Mobiliário de Bento Gonçalves (Sindmóveis), Movelsul Brasil is a B2B furniture trade fair for professional audiences, bringing together exhibitors from the furniture (mass-produced and custom-made), mattresses, upholstered furniture, home décor and services segments. The event is a reference for retailers, retail chains, corporate buyers, architects, designers and importers. Sponsors: Banrisul, Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento do Extremo Sul (BRDE), Mercado Livre, Bento Gonçalves City Hall, Sayerlack and Sebrae.
