Durable Durat

Terrazzo appears to be a favourite among surface producers looking to incorporate waste materials into their products rather than allowing them to be forgotten in landfill. The desire for variation in chip colour and size makes terrazzo perfect for incorporating waste of many kinds and creating unique combinations and designs.

Durat selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish

This Finnish company founded in 1990 was developed with the specific aim of incorporating waste into design. Durat use up to 28% recycled plastic waste collected from manufacturing and waste management companies around both Sweden and Finland. This waste is then ground and cast into resin to create solid surfaces, bespoke units, and furniture. But the company’s commitment to providing a sustainable product doesn’t end with the incorporation of plastic waste.

Durat selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish Tuusula — Swimming hall in Tuusula, Finland

Durat selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish Helsinki — Wrong Noodle in Helsinki, Finland

The Durat manufacturing facility in Rymättylä, southwestern Finland, runs on 100% renewable energy approved by The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. The material is also 100% recyclable and they offer to take back used products from customers in order to refurbish them, or recycle them straight back into their manufacturing process to create something new. Durat are also involved in efforts by the John Nurminen Foundation aiming to halt the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.

Raita bench designed by Eeva Lithovius with new colour scheme for the Baltic sea project Durat Finland design terrazzo — Raita bench designed by Eeva Lithovius with a new colour scheme for the Baltic Sea project

Durat itself is a highly versatile product, available in almost 300 colours and a matte or polished finish. There are nine standard patterns with the option for white, black, transparent or multi-coloured speckles.

Durat palace terrazzo design surface finland sustainable recycled — Durat colour options

The newest addition to the Durat product line is Durat Palace, created in collaboration with Dutch design agency MOST Collective. Like the rest of Durat’s offerings, Durat Palace is a solid surface containing recycled materials, but also contains flecks of natural mineral pigments manufactured in a 17th century Dutch paintmill.

Durat Palace selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish — Durat Palace

There are twelve stunning colour combinations, made all the more striking by the vibrant pops of mineral pigment. The bases feature earthy tones, chosen to strengthen the planet-conscious vision of the company collaboration, and also pale pastels to soothe the mind. Their vision is to set a precedent for the future of eco-luxury, creating a made-to-last surface that is seamless, customisable, and that has an almost eternal lifespan when cared for and maintained properly.

Durat Palace selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish Midori Sour — Durat Palace Midori Sour

Durat Palace selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish Mint Julep — Durat Palace Mint Julep

Durat Palace selection mineral colour pop recycled material finnish swedish Mudslide — Durat Palace Mudslide

Durat is 12mm thick and comes in 2,900 by 800mm sheets. These can be joined or thermoformed into a curve to cover any surface. The material is food safe, doesn’t emit VOC’s, is resistant to wear, humidity, and various kinds of chemicals. It is highly customisable and can be made in 9mm to 18mm thick sheets and in almost any bespoke colour.

Durat was used in May of last year by Linda Bergroth and Harri Koskinen to create this stunning Zero Waste Bistro for NYCxDESIGN. The effect is that of a snowy ice-palace, a truly intriguing and magical environment.