Cardboard is a material that we constantly encounter in our daily lives. From when we wake up in the morning and grab for the cereal box or when we sign for a package at work we touch cardboard in its many forms. Cardboard is a heavy duty material made from wood-pulp. It comes pressed into a single thickness or complex corrugation and can be reused, recycled, or composted.

Because it is so versatile cardboard has become an exciting ‘new’ material for sustainable product design. Talented designers have re-arranged cardboard into an ever-expanding array of products from hangers to computers.

Cardboard Hangers
Green Hangers are made from 100% recycled cardboard and are a perfect alternative to traditional plastic, wood, or metal hangers. Green Hangers are 100% recyclable or biodegradable yet can hold even the heaviest of winter coats. They are extremely durable, compact, and work just as well as their metal or plastic counterparts. Green Hangers are currently only available only in Australia at eco-retailers and online. In Europe you can check out the B eco Hangers (in two styles: ‘printed’ or ‘folded’). Or check out Ditto Ecological Hangers in the US at Bed Bath & Beyond or online.

Cardboard Furniture & Decor
Back in 1972 designer, Frank Gehry designed the “wiggle chair” from layers of corrugated cardboard. The chair proved not only to be an exceptional piece of artwork but an incredibly sturdy seat! Since then many designers have built on Gehry’s corrugated concept to create everything from folding chairs to decor and even beds.

Cardboard Safari has taken the décor idea one step further by creating wall-mounted trophy animals. Now you can mount a stunning 10-point buck, endangered rhino, or African elephant in your den without hurting any animals.

Whether your home décor is traditional or modern you can find amazing cardboard creations that will fit right in.

Cardboard Computers
Yes, cardboard computers! Electronics waste is a growing epidemic that is overflowing our landfills. Even though there are facilities dedicated to recycling electronics like computers, they are extremely difficult to disassemble and recycle. Recompute took a long hard look at the full life cycle of the computer and designed a sustainable corrugated CPU housing that contains state-of-the-art components. It functions just like any other desktop computer, and when it comes time to buy a new one the case is 100% recyclable.

Sustainability is not a passing trend, but a way to ensure our future and it’s catching on everywhere. Check out some of these great cardboard creations, they just might make you think differently next time you are in the market for new home items!

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Images courtesy of Green Hangers, Art Whirled, Recompute,  Ditto, B eco Things, and Cardboard Safari.