Meet the Furniture &
Lighting Brand Cleaning Up the Ocean

Founded in 2006 in Copenhagen, Mater evolved into one of the most ethical and eco-conscious brands on the planet. With deep Danish roots, their Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic feels both timeless and timely, seamlessly blending high style with sustainability. Incorporating the UN Global Compact principles into their strategies, policies and procedures, Mater is fully dedicated to environmentally friendly practices, inside and out. Over the years, a diverse portfolio of design collaborations and evolving ecological practices put Mater in a category all their own, setting the bar for 21st century corporate ethics and sustainable design. Their latest endeavor: Cleaning the ocean.

Recycled Materials

Taking recycled materials to a whole new level, the new Ocean Collection by Nanna and Joergen Ditzel is made entirely from ocean waste. Used fish nets from around the world are recycled and repurposed - in fact, every product from the Ocean Collection removes more than two pounds of plastic waste from the ocean.

The Ocean Collection aside, most of Mater’s metallic products are handcrafted from sand-cast aluminum, reusing scraps from old car components and bicycle wheels. Made in the township of Moradabad, India, skilled craftsmen practice the ancient technique of sand casting by using sand as mould material. This requires incredible precision and time, but the result is highly sustainable and gives opportunity to those practicing more traditional manufacturing methods.

Ocean Collection

Sustainable Harvesting

You’ve probably heard the phrase FSC™ certified wood before. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an international non-profit organization focused on sustainable harvesting. From Oak and Cork to Mango and Alder wood, the majority of Mater products use FSC™ certified wood, meaning lumber is harvested at a rate slower than the forest is reproducing.

Terho Collection

Mater Furniture

Take Mango wood, for example. Indian mango wood is one of the fastest growing sources of timber. Many Mango trees stop producing fruit, due to fire or natural causes, and this is when the wood is harvested. Once that process is over, a new Mango tree is planted and the forest continues to thrive. In fact, FSC requires that flora and fauna are protected throughout the entire process, ensuring that ecosystems remain intact and thriving, even when harvesting.

Mater means ‘mother’ in Latin. The name is a daily reminder of our small contribution to preventing the challenges Mother Earth faces. As a manufacturer, we have the opportunity to rethink dubious practices and create ethical and sustainable design that minimizes adverse social and environmental impacts.” -Henrik Marstrand, CEO & Founder

Rocker Chair

Energy Efficient Lighting

LEDs are not only light on the energy bill, they reduce the impact on local energy resources, thus reducing our overall footprint. What’s more, LEDs remain relatively cool when on for long periods of time, in stark contrast to the scalding hot incandescent bulbs of the past. In the lighting world, this opens up new doors to brands like Mater, allowing them to branch out beyond heat-tolerant materials, and tap into a wider swath of sustainable options. Every Mater fixture uses LEDs, bringing together energy efficient options with sustainable materials for a portfolio that rethinks the future of home design. In a world of endless options - and endless waste - it’s refreshing to know that there are people trying to disrupt the system, to make a difference. Mater is a shining example.