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Koala’s Vision for a Circular Future in Furniture Design
Furniture brand Koala is combining modularity, sustainability and innovation to meet the evolving needs of modern Australian homes.
Where will today’s furniture design lead tomorrow, and how will tomorrow deal with today’s furniture? These are the questions Koala’s design team tackle daily. Founded with a mission to disrupt the furniture industry, Koala has evolved into a leader in modular, sustainable and multifunctional design – delivering innovation that aligns with the shifting needs of modern Australians.
“We are building in more modularity and circularity that drives a range of benefits for our customers, creating products that change with Australians’ needs,” says Alexandra Owen, head of design at Koala. By focusing on circular manufacturing techniques, Koala ensures its furniture isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but designed with circularity in mind, prioritising longevity through modularity, disassembly and recyclability. Its commitment extends to washability and refurbishment, all aimed at reducing future resource strain.
This approach is underpinned by investment in both human and material innovation. Koala experiments with cutting-edge materials like heat-dissipating mattresses, responsibly sourced wools and cornstarch-based buttons and trims. This ongoing experimentation not only improves sustainability but enhances product functionality, keeping Koala at the forefront of design and performance.
As urban living becomes more compact, with a focus on smaller homes and apartments, Koala is creating furniture that’s versatile enough to evolve with how Australians live. “For us, the answer is modularity – products that can be upgraded, repaired or replaced,” says James Whitta, Koala’s chief design officer. The team designs durable, replaceable components that fit into modular platforms, offering flexibility across various styles and functions. From upgradeable sofas to recyclable sofa beds, Koala simplifies construction and assembly while maintaining versatility. “It’s about giving customers choices that suit their lives and a changing world,” Whitta adds.
Koala is committed to making sustainability a tangible and actionable part of its mission. “Our customers are becoming more discerning – they want quality that doesn’t cost the earth, literally and figuratively,” says Owen. The company’s ultimate goal is to create high-quality furniture within a fully circular model.
This vision involves investing in high-performance materials, streamlining manufacturing and creating multifunctional designs with sensible end-of-life solutions. Sustainability is integral to Koala’s ethos. “It’s good news for the customer, and it has become a rallying cry for our team. We’re heading full steam ahead to a more sustainable future for Australian furniture,” says Whitta.
Koala’s commitment to modularity, circularity and sustainability is driving its mission. “Australian homes are decked out, from bedroom to bathroom, in Scandi-style furniture. And it’s shipped from a world away. We thought it was time to develop a truly Australian approach to furniture,” says Owen. One that taps into Australians’ sense of style, adds Whitta: “A range that withstands our climate and contributes positively to the environment.” By fostering a design ethos rooted in local innovation and sustainability, Koala is leading the charge towards a feel-good future for furniture – one thoughtful, multifunctional piece at a time.
