alessandro mendini and ecopixel transform plastic recycling into a work of pointillism

the collaboration between ecopixel and atelier mendini has led to a remarkable plastic recycling industry innovation where ‘pixelated colors and recycled plastics’ go hand in hand. thanks to alessandro mendini’s visionary persistence, an impressive 24x24mm ‘pixel’ has been developed using shredded plastic waste as a base material for a chaise longue called ALEX.

ALEX chaise longue in blue
all images © max&douglas

alessandro mendini’s extraordinary design pushed the development of the pressurized ecopixel technique further ahead, mixing the intriguing mélange of 8 carefully selected colors randomly into the magnificent mendini-mix, resulting in a unique appearance each time. ‘the remarkable qualities of ecopixel has been an opportunity for powerful expression through texture and color and has given rise to an exciting new multi-colored pixel-based approach’, says alessandro mendini. ‘ecopixel transforms polyethylene waste into a work of pointillism’.

architect alessandro mendini at his studio in milan

powerful geometric forms are derived from a combination of polygonal plane surfaces with dynamic linear edges. the ecopixel’s innovative ‘pressurized rotational production method’ enables a crisp, folded form with sharply defined origami lines, resulting in a contemporary appearance that is radically different to traditionally rounded surfaces that are a byproduct of other production techniques. the ecopixel technique randomly combines colored pixels in the magnificent mendini-mix, creating a distinctive result every time. 

ecopixel can be melted into different shapes and colors

each chaise longue is individually numbered with a special marker plate and comes with a certificate and numbered copy of the original ©2017 drawing. ‘ALEX’ is 100% recyclable and made of up to 55% recycled materials. ecopixel aims to use materials that will continue to be part of the recycling loop. withstanding temperatures from -10°C up to +50°C means ecopixel is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. this material is incredibly durable, yet soft to the touch and wonderfully tactile.

alessandro mendini says: ‘ecopixel transforms polyethylene waste into a work of pointillism’

ecopixel claims that this new method for recycling plastics is composed of 100% low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and melts at 120°C, which means it can be re-melted an infinite number of times without altering its properties. its low melting temperature means its ecological impact is also greatly reduced during the production phase. the material can be melted into different shapes and colors, without homogenizing color pigments from its ‘raw’ waste material, resulting in a distinctive pixelated appearance. 

ALEX chaise longue is suitable for indoors and outdoors

ALEX chaise longue by the pool in santa marta, colombia

chaise longue ALEX in blue

esquisse of ALEX development by alessandro mendini 

alessandro mendini creates the intriguing mélange of 8 carefully selected colors 

ALEX development team

project info:

atelier mendini team: francesco mendini, alex mocika, alessandro mendini
ecopixel team: designers jan puylaert & mariandrea zambrano, producer claudio milioto 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.