Recycled glass
Urban Nature Culture’s recycled glass products are manufactured from two tons of recycled glass per day. That empty jar of peas, bottle of wine or broken tea glass will find a new purpose in one of our creations. How? A million tiny pieces of glass have been heated up to 1600 degrees for 24 hours, melting back together. The blown glass, vases or candle holders are cut by hand, using oxygen and gas flames, after which they’re placed in an annealed furnace for 3 hours, washed and transported. The debris of the cutting process returns to the furnace, to melt and be used again. And so, after quite the journey, UNC’s recycled glass items find their home with you.
Mango wood
Hailing from plantations in South Asia, mango tree wood has become a great, alternative hardwood for Urban Nature Culture. It is one of the fastest growing trees, so the population of mango trees can be quickly replenished and by using mango wood, it gives other types of vulnerable species a chance to rebound and grow back. Next to that, mango wood has a unique grain made up of different colour properties and tones, with each piece of wood having its own characterstics.
Ecomix
Ecomix is an eco conscious material compound crafted from a proprietary blend of natural and recycled components - recycled paper pulp, natural gum and chalk powder - bound together to create a strong alternative to other casting materials in the timeless traditions of India’s state of Rajasthan, each creation is made and finished by skilled artisans. Every ecomix item you’ll find in our collections is a product of craftmanship, handmade and unique.
Seagrass
Seagrass is a type of flowering plant found in shallow marine environments. Unlike seaweed, which is an algae, seagrass is a true plant with roots, stems, and leaves. Seagrass is a rapidly renewable resource. It grows quickly and can be harvested sustainably without depleting the natural ecosystem. The harvested seagrass is then dried and prepared for weaving. Skilled artisans use traditional techniques to weave the seagrass into intricate and durable baskets. This process is labor-intensive and highlights the craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with basket weaving.
Cotton mache
Cotton mache home decoration are created by recycling cotton waste and leftovers from the fashion and home textiles industry, and converting them into a pulp, which is then molded into different shapes. This process is similar to traditional papier-mache techniques but uses cotton fibers instead of paper. The result are sturdy, biodegradable, and aesthetically pleasing pots and vases that can be used for various purposes in home decor.
Banana leafs
What is often referred to as a banana tree is really a nonwoody plant. Though it is known for its delicious, soft fruit, various parts of the plant find different uses. The leaves and fiber, for example, are an environmentally friendly equivelant of paper, and dried, they can be used to braid a beautiful basket, placemat or decorative branch, like our Planta Delicado or Planta de Praia. The banana plant grows quickly, producing new leaves continuously, which makes it a renewable resource.