UPM Grada Spectacle at EcoDesign Exhibition in Milan

(UPM, Helsinki, 3 April 2014 at 12 EET) - Several designs made of UPM Grada thermo-formable wood material are in spotlight at EcoDesign exhibition held at La Triennale design museum in Milan, Italy on April 8–13. Many design focused guests are expected to visit the exhibition since it takes place during the celebrated Salone Internazionale del Mobile design fair held yearly in Milan.

EcoDesign showcases ecological designs in which sustainability has been a focus through the process – material selection, design, production, product use and recycling and disposal at end of life. The UPM Grada works presented at the exhibition consists of pieces from the top Finnish designers.
Veivi space divider has been designed by Antti Kotilainen. The big wave shape is enabled with thermo-formable UPM Grada. Veivi can be screened or coated with an acoustic material.

Lukki stool  (on left) was designed in the 50’s by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Now UPM Grada is used in the Artek classic to simplify the high quality forming process.

Balance Lounge Chair has been designed by Esa Vesmanen and manufactured by Pure Design Finland. This 2013 GOOD DESIGN TM award winning piece has been inspired by the human response to wind and waves.

Draft for a shelf 2014 has been designed by Harri Koskinen. The form of the shelf piece stiffens the structure of the system.

Duo chair has been designed by Antti Olin and sold by Isku. It is an elegant and light chair for meeting and lobby areas.

Hohto chair is designed by Samuli Naamanka and sold by Arktis. UPM Grada’s forming properties enable the chairs unique 3D form.

Mono chair (on top of the page) is designed by Kasper Nyman is made from a one-piece component.  UPM Grada material enables the jointing in the simple and clever chair layout.

 

Nuusku (on left) has been designed by Eero Aarnio. The nosy character of Nuusku joins the animal parade of Eero Aarnio Design. It fulfils the demands of modern environmentally friendly values.

ON chair has been designed by Tapio Anttila and manufactured by Pedro. The use of innovative material makes it possible to combine lightness in design and recyclability throughout the product lifespan.  The ON chair series was awarded the renowned Interior Innovation Award 2014.

Choucho shelf is designed by DIOHEL team of Mikko Paakkanen and Mika Ihanus. Choucho (N.B Butterfly in Japanese) is inspired by butterflies which alight on a wall to rest.

Tivoli chair designed by Mikko Laakkonen is a new interpretation of the mid-20th century Scandinavian design. The chair takes advantage of the new innovative and cost effective Grada technology to produce wooden spokes.

Viuh chair has been designed by Jouko Järvisalo’s and is part of Mobel collection. The minimalist chair captures the impression of movement.

“This is a unique showcase of Finnish top designers focusing on the new innovative material. UPM Grada is an ideal material for ecological designs. We are proud to present the outcome of both ecological and efficient design process and know-how in front of the international audience of the EcoDesign exhibition in Milan,” explains Mikko Tilli from UPM.

Designs - chairs, shelves, space dividers and interior items - are presented online at www.upmgrada.com

UPM Grada – Safe, durable, ecological

Invitation for the media: UPM media event on April 9 at 18:00 at La Triennale. Address: Triennale di Milano, Viale Alemagna, 6, 20121. Milano.

Link to the image cart: http://pet.upm.com/?cart=7754-ghglllclck&l=EN

For more information please contact: Mr. Mikko Tilli, UPM Plywood, tel. +358 40 674 3809

UPM Grada^® is a new thermo-formable wood material for the form pressing industry. Grada technology revitalises the forming of wood with heat and pressure and opens up new opportunities for designs not achievable with traditional methods. UPM Grada’s unique forming properties enable high quality and ecological designs which are also visually appealing. UPM Grada- Safe, Durable, Ecological www.upmgrada.com

Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve our customers worldwide. The group employs around 21,000 people and its annual sales are approximately € 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upm.com