FLOS and bio-on unveiled the world's first product made with PHAs. The first design object to be made in this initial test of the revolutionary material is Miss Sissi, the FLOS lamp designed in 1991 by Philippe Starck and now an icon in lighting design. Made so far of polycarbonate, one of the most widely used plastics in industry, Miss Sissi passed the test with the new bioplastic.
The PHAs biopolymer is revolutionary because it is made from the waste materials of sugar beet and cane production (so it has zero impact on the food cycle), it requires no organic solvents, it is completely biodegradable in soil and water and it provides exceptional performance.
"We are pleased to be entering this new challenge for the future, which represents the non-stop Italian innovative spirit, splendidly exemplified by bio-on," commented Piero Gandini, Chairman and managing director of FLOS. "We cannot wait to continue the tests on other products and materials, so that there can soon be a turning point in environmentally-friendly production, already encapsulated by our 'Cradle to Cradle' Soft Architecture material. These bio-on polymers - although we cannot really call them polymers and a new name should be coined - are a total revolution in the relationship between mass production and environment."