Transforming Plastic Waste into Workspaces

Client: Novo Nordisk
Year: 2023 
Focus: Custom Furniture | Recycled Materials | Workplace Design

In 2023, Novo Nordisk's Digital, Data, and IT unit moved into a new office space, reaffirming their commitment to sustainability. To bring their environmental goals to life, SMALLrevolution was brought on board to create custom tabletops and planter boxes made entirely from 100% recycled plastic waste sourced directly from Novo Nordisk’s own operations.

The Challenge

Novo Nordisk, a leader in healthcare and sustainability, wanted their new office space to reflect their commitment to environmental responsibility. With the growing importance of circular design in the corporate sector, they sought to transform waste from their own operations into meaningful, functional pieces for their workplace.

The challenge: Could we design and produce furniture that not only serves the functional needs of an office but also supports their sustainability initiatives, using materials from within their own supply chain?

The Solution

SMALLrevolution worked closely with Novo Nordisk to develop a series of custom tabletops and planter boxes. By using 100% recycled plastic sourced from Novo’s operations, we ensured that these pieces were not only sustainable but also tightly aligned with the company’s circular goals. The project underscores the potential of closed-loop systems, where materials from one part of a business cycle are reintegrated to create new products.

The Outcome

The new office furniture was installed in 2023, serving as a bold statement of Novo Nordisk’s commitment to circularity. The tabletops and planter boxes provide functional solutions while also showcasing the company’s dedication to reducing waste and fostering a more circular economy.

This collaboration illustrates how businesses can take meaningful steps toward sustainability through design and material reuse—turning waste into valuable resources within their own operations.