I’ve just recently come across an interesing company, Way Basics, that’s making eco-friendly furniture blocks called zBoards. zBoards are made from post-consumer recycled paper and can be recycled with no waste when their use is over. Their website markets the zBoards with one, main, simple statement: No Waste. No Rules. No Tools. And it’s a compelling premise, especially if you’ve ever spent some time putting together an IKEA drawer or something. zBoards and blocks are put together using a super-strong adhesive tape (not sure whether the tape is low-VOC or anything like that).
As you can tell, zBoards come in a variety of colors and light and dark wood grains. Plus, there’s seriously an infinite number of configurations you could come up with. Way Basics also says they’re super strong and weigh 62% less than particle board.
All in all, the prices seem decent and the designs below are whimsical and creative. Drop a comment below if you’ve used zBoards or have any thoughts on this innovative, green furniture product.
Photo credits: Way Basics.
Hi Preston,
I am the founder and CEO of Way Basics. Thank you for spreading the news about Way Basics. To answer your question, there is no VOC in the 3M branded tape. We’re always available to help at [email protected] or my personal email [email protected]
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Jimmy, thanks for the update, I’ll add that to the article above. Do you have any comments, or a response to the below commenter “diegoverde”, on the durability of the blocks once put together?
I am an industrial designer and inventor of patented sustainable furniture manufacturing processes. Sorry, but I don’t care how strong the glue on the tape is, this cannot possibly be a durable, permanent structure. If it lasts as long as an IKEA product, its basically landfill with a short lifespan as a useful object. Sustainable means durable, not temporal. I am offended of this product’s claim to be eco-friendly. If you look at the patents for self-assembling furniture, there is a fastener free system that uses velcro to create structure. If it had worked in the marketplace, which it didn’t, it would have been brilliant. Please let me know if any one has tried this product and how long they last after they are fully loaded. Check out how long the guarantee is for to see how long they expect it to last.
These zBoards are fantastic, great colors and variety! Really nice feature.
http://www.terrafurnishings.com
Wow, We really like the concepts and the furniture. We also started a website we’re looking to get feedback on, http://www.greencouch.com See you all in the Blogosphere.
This looks so amazing! I love all the configurations. There are so many ways they can be used, and it doesn’t matter how much you buy because not only are they recyclable, but they’re made from recycled material too! So there’s no guilt. Great post!