From trash to treasure

HOMEWARE BRANDS ARE TURNING DISCARDED MATERIAL INTO DESIRABLE PRODUCTS THAT PUT THE WOW INTO WASTE, SAYS ALICE HUMPHRYS

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Those working in fashion may be familiar with the term ‘deadstock’. It’s a rather ugly phrase for materials with phoenix-like potential for resurrection and reinvention. Deadstock is essentially industry leftovers – surplus materials or stock that would otherwise end up in landfill or incinerated. Fashion houses and high-street brands, mindful of their sustainability footprint, are finding innovative ways to make use of deadstock materials. But the interiors industry has some catching up to do.

According to European Federation of Furniture Manufacturers (UEA) statistics, 80 to 90% of EU furniture waste is incinerated or sent to landfill, with only 10% recycled. Having worked as an interiors journalist for over 15 years, I’ve become concerned about how the products I buy for my home are made, and what happens to the waste produced. I’d rather source reclaimed or pre-loved finds, or buy new items that are made responsibly.

But deadstock is offering a new way to engage with a passion for interiors. It’s different from recycling, such as turning plastic bottles into a fibre to weave rugs. Deadstock never makes it that far – it is waste product, such as discarded timber offcuts. It also refers to leftovers – for example, textile remnants or unused paint – so its green credentials are just as worthy as recycling.