What do you do when, as a sustainable, socially responsible collector of waste and raw materials, you’re faced with a large number of plastic containers that can no longer be used? Recycle them, of course! And that’s how a wonderful, sustainable partnership between Avalex and TRIBOO came about.
.webp)
Anyone looking at the tables in the cafeteria at Avalex’s new headquarters in The Hague after the renovation will, at first glance, see nothing more than tables. Nothing could be further from the truth. There’s a fascinating story behind these talked-about tables—a story of people who have the courage to think differently, dare to venture off the beaten path, and know how to get things done. 240 kilograms of worthless waste, salvaged from dumpsters that could no longer be used, was transformed into 12 3D-printed tables.
It all starts with a good idea. Henri Beukers, facilities coordinator, and Kaat Jongepier, project manager for projects and innovations at Avalex, wanted to turn the waste containers that were no longer in use into something new—something that could be repurposed as an attractive and functional product for the sustainable design of Avalex’s new headquarters. After initial contact with Marc van der Heijden of TRIBOO, the idea arose to 3D-print table bases from these materials for the cafeteria.
.webp)
Once the idea was conceived, we went through all the steps in the traffic-light model for creating circular furniture from our own waste. You want to know as quickly as possible whether it’s possible—or not possible—to 3D-print a base strong enough using the raw materials from the old waste containers. Material analyses, adding materials (strength and other characteristics), testing, shredding, compounding, and test prints. Ultimately, all lights turned green for the creation of a prototype base frame.
.webp)
The next step was the shape and aesthetics of the base. Together with the Avalex team and the architect, we chose the Twisted X. The design language of this furniture collection was inspired by a twisted yet brilliant idea. Its dynamic shape infuses energy into any space where it is placed. It sparks the creativity of everyone who sees it.
.webp)
When the Twisted X has reached the end of its life, the raw materials can be reused to 3D-print other pieces of furniture. All materials are 100% recycled. The value of the raw materials is refunded to those who invested in the sustainable furniture. For every kilogram of furniture, Avalex—the owner of the raw materials—receives a refund of 5 euros when they return it to TRIBOO.
The innovative, lightweight #greengridz tabletops were chosen to be placed on top of the bases. This saved 12 kilograms of material per tabletop and reduced the CO2 footprint by 60% compared to the heavy, solid particleboard tabletops traditionally used. And at the end of their useful life, Avalex can return the tabletops to TRIBOO, where they are shredded and converted via pyrolysis into activated carbon used as a filter medium in water and air filters.
Avalex is responsible for collecting and processing (or arranging for the processing of) household waste and raw materials on behalf of the municipalities of Delft, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Midden-Delfland, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Rijswijk, and Wassenaar.
The Avalex board consists of the following aldermen: Peter Hennevanger (Pijnacker-Nootdorp, chair), Martina Huijsmans (Delft), Fred Voskamp (Midden-Delfland), Philip van Veller (Leidschendam-Voorburg), Laurens van Doeveren (Wassenaar), and Werner van Damme (Rijswijk)
“Our office in Rijswijk is undergoing a sustainable renovation. I was already familiar with TRIBOO, which is how I came up with the idea of having the plastic containers turned into bases for our cafeteria tables. It’s a win-win because the plastic is reused, and we can show that it can be turned into really beautiful items.”
"Avalex wants to make a greater impact on circularity. That’s why we’re always looking for partnerships to reuse as many of the materials we collect as possible—or to prevent waste. Of course, this applies to us as well; as a company, we’re happy to lead by example!"
TRIBOO was founded in 2016 by Marc van der Heijden and is based in Zevenhuizen. Through revolutionary innovations and groundbreaking techniques, the company transforms “worthless” waste streams—made up of plastics and natural fibers—into “valuable” circular office furnishings. TRIBOO makes an impact by furnishing offices in a circular manner and aims to radically transform the furniture industry and make it more sustainable. In 2020, the company was recognized with a nomination for the “Oscar” of entrepreneurial awards—the King Willem I Plaque—as one of the 12 most sustainable companies in the Netherlands. The European Commission also named TRIBOO a “Rising Star” at the European Business Awards for the Environment in the products and services category. A company to watch, standing out for its bold leadership toward a sustainable economic recovery for Europe—well aligned with the priorities of the European Green Deal. TRIBOO brings the circular economy and a waste-free society to life in a striking way for everyone through interior design that uses fewer materials, emits less CO2, and generates less waste.
.jpg)
