Washing their hands of plastic waste

Finnish company DURAT transforms plastic waste into bathroom furniture, washbasins or worktops. DURAT's products are easy to repair and recyclable.

The planet’s environmental problems raise natural questions such as: How can you ensure greater sustainability in manufacturing companies? The privately-owned company DURAT thinks it has the answer.

DURAT was established in Finland in 1990 with the aim of combating pollution by collecting raw plastic waste from manufacturing companies in Finland and Sweden and converting it into a first-class product through the use of modern technology and moulding systems.

Can be repaired and recycled
The product DURAT is a hard surface material consisting of approximately 30 per cent recycled materials and is, itself, 100 per cent recyclable. DURAT is also easy to repair, as scratches and scrapes can be removed with sandpaper. DURAT is used in over 40 different bathroom appliances, in kitchens, cafés and restaurants, hotels and ships.

DURAT came into being during a period of economic depression, which meant that the founders had the time they needed to develop their unique innovation and design. The founders prioritise strong and lasting partnerships with architects and designers all over the world. These partners have integrated DURAT's materials in various internationally-acclaimed interior design ranges. The founders also forge lasting partnerships with the companies that provide them with plastic waste.

Obtains waste from partners
The product idea is based on the view that sustainable development is crucial to the world’s well-being. As DURAT grows, there is more and more emphasis on the creation of jobs, both in Finland and in China, where DURAT has established its first joint venture. The company in China supplies DURAT with waste plastic.

As the business has developed, the brand has attracted major interest from the media, architects and the design industry. DURAT's image as an environmentally-friendly, first-class product has paved the way for partnerships with companies such as NOKIA.