Carbon-12: Vepa, Hemp.
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
In association with:
Vepa is part of the Fair Furniture Group, a family of innovative European manufacturers, all with a "passion to protect our planet".
"The global team takes a sustainable approach via circular practices in its product design to create carbon neutral lines, made from recycled PET plastic, metals, wood and waste."
Carbon credentials
- Manufacturer: Vepa
- Product: Hemp
- Material: Hemp, plant-based resin
- Applications: Furniture
- Carbon status: Low carbon
- Accrediting body: Not accredited
- EPD: Yes / No / Pending
- Additional credentials: ISO 9001 – EN, ISO 14001 – EN, FSC Certification, Ecolabel Certification, Hemp BS 5852 Crib 5, Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
The Hemp Fine chair by Vepa comprises a seat shell fabricated from 100% plant-based materials: hemp, plant-based resin and linseed oil.
The hemp crop - the raw material used to fabricate Vepa's hemp seat shell - absorbs more CO₂ than is released in the production process, making the seat shell CO₂ negative. The Hemp Fine’s steel frame contributes some carbon emissions, making the product a low carbon piece of furniture. It's also manufactured to be recyclable and repairable.
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
During the manufacturing process, the hemp fibres are removed from the hemp plant and combed in the Hempflax factory. The result is a thick, natural brown mat which forms the basic material for the chair.
This mat is then pressed into the shape of the seat with a bio-resin - a binding agent developed by Plantics. This now hard hemp material is fixed to a frame that’s made from steel collected from waste.
Designers can upholster the Hemp Fine in a range of fabrics and the metal work can be coated in a wide selection of RAL colours - tailoring the product to each individual project.
Vepa has an available EPD for Hemp Fine on its website. This EPD is not currently third party validated. Here you can find all relevant certifications including; ISO 9001, ISO 14001. FSC, PEFC, C02 performance and BS5852 (crib 5).
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
Vepa produces everything in its own local facilities. Sourcing its own wood, sheet steel, tubular steel, powder coating, wood spray, its upholstery and final assembly departments limit emissions linked to transportation. As an organisation, Vepa considers the full life cycle of a product before it hits production, from how it develops its raw materials, to what it does with the product when it reaches its end of life.
By using independent LCAs (Life Cycle Analysis), Vepa is transparent on the environmental impact of its products. The LCAs are carried out in accordance with ISO 14044.
A bio-tech company recently selected Hemp for its new Cambridge office facility. The project included a wide selection of Vepa chairs, tables, stools, soft seating, and meeting room furniture. The staff restaurant and break-out areas feature Hemp chairs and bar stools.
Design, consultancy and engineering company, Kragten, specified Hemp chairs for its company restaurant. With the building design based on the latest sustainability principles - incorporating a heat pump and solar panels, extra-insulating triple-glass and heat recovery in the air-conditioning system - Hemp was a clear match for its sustainably executed scheme.
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
Image credit: Tim Ainsworth
You can learn more about Vepa’s Hemp series at Material Source Studio Manchester and Glasgow as part of the Carbon-12 installation.
Vepa’s full portfolio of products is available to explore here, including Flax, Felt and Finn.
