For Swedish acoustic experts Abstracta, sustainability is at the heart of creating innovative solutions that improve acoustics while adding both aesthetic and functional value. In their latest collaboration with Verk and iconic Swedish designer Ingegerd Råman, Abstracta has created a groundbreaking collection of acoustic panels clad in a new, revolutionising, Swedish-produced, and highly sustainable wool textile material.
The textile industry has a large carbon footprint, making it crucial for all companies using textiles to seek more sustainable solutions.
”As soon as we use textiles in products, the carbon footprint increases significantly. If we instead design or reupholster products with more sustainable textiles, it will have a major positive impact on the overall footprint,” says Simon Theimer Anund, founder and creative director of Verk, a Swedish brand that makes sustainable furniture exclusively from Swedish raw materials.
In collaboration with Swedish actors such as Ullkontoret, Sjuhäradsbygdens Färgeri, Väveriet i Bollnäs, Rodens Spinneri and Artex, Verk has developed the all-Swedish wool fabric V.IR. The material is made from wool that would otherwise have gone to waste. The wool comes exclusively from Swedish sheep and is washed, spun, and woven in Sweden – meaning shorter transport routes and lower environmental impact.
Before this initiative was launched, the majority of all Swedish sheep wool was buried or burned, as there was no functioning value chain, making it too costly to use wool sustainably in Sweden.
Wool – a perfect material for acoustic panels
Now, waste wool is revitalised as a durable and more environmentally friendly furniture textile with lower climate impact. For Abstracta, it was obvious to use this new textile in their acoustic products, not only from a sustainability perspective – wool fibres are also naturally flame retardant, making wool a non-toxic alternative to flame retardant textiles.
”The fact that we now have access to an all-Swedish wool textile allows us to strengthen our work for better sound environments while offering aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solutions,” says Erik Graesén, Product Development Manager at Abstracta.
Iconic Swedish designer behind the textile design
The collaboration has resulted in a series of high-quality, sound-absorbing acoustic panels where the textiles are designed by Ingegerd Råman, one of Sweden’s most acclaimed designers. Råman has refined the natural colours and textures of wool through her unique weaving technique, creating a timeless and authentic look.
”The colour scheme is inspired by the wool’s natural tones. As mainly wool from grey sheep are being used, the colour palette has been limited to these natural shades. The weaving technique creates interesting patterns and dynamics in the colours, giving a vibrant and harmonious feel,” says Ingegerd Råman.
The acoustic panels are available in three sizes: 1000 x 1400 mm, 700 x 1000 mm, and 500 x 700 mm, and are framed in untreated Swedish oak. Although the panels are no thicker than 45 millimetres, they have a high acoustic capacity and effectively absorb noise, making them ideal for high-noise environments.
The material behind the fabric is an effective Swedish-produced sound absorber made from textile waste and polyester from recycled PET bottles, reducing the overall environmental impact.
Better acoustics – without compromising on design
This collection of acoustic panels is particularly suitable for environments such as restaurants, hotel lobbies, open-plan offices, co-working spaces, learning environments and home offices, where they both improve the sound environment and add aesthetic appeal.
”From an aesthetic point of view, these panels provide an elegant backdrop that fits into most interiors. Ingegerd Råman’s design language is timeless and cautious, which means that the panels not only last a long time functionally but also in terms of design,” says Linus Berglund, Marketing Director at Abstracta.
Ingegerd Råman explains that there was a personal aspect to the collaboration that surprised her:
”At the beginning of my career, I thought I would be a textile designer, and when I visited the producer of this textile, I rediscovered the skills I once had. It was a great feeling to be able to speak the language of textiles and discuss different weaving techniques,” says Råman.
Collaboration key to resurrecting Sweden’s textile production
Abstracta, Verk, and Råman all emphasise how crucial the broad collaboration has been for the project. ”For textiles to have a long life, it is important that major players and furniture manufacturers are involved and work with them early on.
”It’s great how everyone put competition aside and worked together to ensure the longevity of this initiative. The fact that we have now put this textile into production is historic since it is the first time in over 60 years that we have an all-Swedish textile production,” says Simon Theimer Anund, and concludes:
”We hope this initiative will inspire more people in the industry to embrace Swedish production and work together to create a more sustainable and all-Swedish textile industry.”
During Stockholm Furniture Fair, 4-8 February, Abstracta, alongside Swedish design brands Gemla and Gärsnäs, as well as the initiator Verk, will all participate in an exhibition called Reinventing Textile, to showcase how they use V.IR. in different ways in their products.
Product information Abstracta x Verk acoustic panels
Design: Ingegerd Råman
Material: Textile in 100% Swedish wool. Available in three textile variants, V.IR. 2 light grey, V.IR. 3 dark grey and V.IR. 4 white. The colours are inspired by the natural variations of wool. Acoustic absorber made of textile waste and polyester from recycled PET bottles. Made in Sweden. Frame in untreated Swedish oak.
Dimensions: 1000 x 1400 x 45 mm, 700 x 1000 x 45 mm, and 500 x 700 x 45 mm
Production: Abstracta manufactures and delivers acoustic products from their production facility in Lammhult, Småland, which only uses renewable energy.
Price: from EUR 999 excl. VAT.
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About Abstracta – creating better soundscapes
Since 1972, Abstracta has been working to improve soundscapes in various environments. We offer a wide range of acoustic solutions, from table and floor screens, wall absorbers and acoustic luminaires to innovative furniture with integrated acoustics and quiet room solutions. Abstracta’s business is characterised by high quality combined with resource efficiency, and they strive to reduce their environmental impact by using recycled materials and working with local suppliers. The vision is to continue to create better soundscapes and contribute to a more sustainable future through design solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The collaboration with Verk and Ingegerd Råman is an example of how Abstracta want to help revitalise Swedish textile production and create new jobs together with the Swedish furniture industry. Abstracta is part of Lammhults Design Group.
Learn more: abstracta.se
About Ingegerd Råman – a Swedish design icon
Ingegerd Råman, born in 1943, has long been one of Sweden’s most respected designers. Her career began with ceramics and glass, and her minimalist style and dedication to craftsmanship have been recognised with several awards, including the Prince Eugen Medal. Throughout her career, Råman has also worked on architectural projects, including collaborations with architect Gert Wingårdh on projects such as the Swedish Embassy in Washington and the Aula Medica at the Karolinska Institute in Solna, making her a central figure in Swedish design. Together with VERK, she has now created a collection of furniture textiles in all-Swedish wool, where natural colour tones and thoughtful weaving techniques provide a sustainable and genuine expression. With her flair, Råman has shaped the aesthetics and functionality of the textiles, resulting in four textile variants inspired by the natural shifts of wool.
Learn more: ingegerdraman.se
About Verk – a Swedish producer focusing on sustainable and local production
Verk is a Swedish furniture company established in 2021 that manufactures furniture with a focus on sustainability and authenticity. With a production process based on long experience and accuracy, Verk uses only Swedish raw materials, with all products manufactured in Sweden. Verk’s philosophy aims to inspire a more genuine sustainability practice, free from greenwashing, with a special emphasis on quality, traceability and functionality. By choosing Swedish materials such as wood, leather and wool, Verk hopes to pave the way for more responsible and transparent solutions in the furniture industry. In collaboration with designer Ingegerd Råman and through their work for an all-Swedish textile production – in co-operation with other Swedish furniture producers – Verk is taking important steps to promote sustainable development. This initiative not only strengthens the environment but also creates more Swedish jobs.
Learn more: verk.se