Abstract: BIO® Thermopolymer is a bio-based material developed by Andreu World for furniture applications. Produced through bacterial fermentation and formulated with natural plant-based fillers, it is used in collections such as Nuez Lounge BIO® and Bolete Lounge BIO®. The material offers an alternative to conventional fossil-based polymers while maintaining the mouldability, performance, and expressive colour possibilities required for contemporary furniture design.
First image from the left: The Nuez Lounge BIO® chair demonstrates how bio-based thermopolymer can form a sculptural furniture shell. Image source: Andreu World BIO® Thermopolymer product information
Second image from the left: A broad colour palette allows bio-based furniture materials to support. Image source: Andreu World BIO® colour collection
Introduction
Furniture manufacturing commonly relies on plastics and polymers because they can be shaped into complex forms, provide durability, and support efficient production. However, many conventional polymers are derived from fossil resources and can create difficult end-of-life challenges.
Andreu World’s BIO® Thermopolymer explores a different material pathway. Instead of treating sustainability as an additional coating or finish, the company develops the material itself around biological origin and alternative feedstocks.
The material has been used in furniture designed by Patricia Urquiola, demonstrating how bio-based innovation can be integrated into a commercially recognisable design language.
How BIO® Thermopolymer Is Produced
BIO® Thermopolymer is described as a natural thermopolymer produced through bacterial fermentation. It incorporates natural plant-based fillers and is intended to provide performance levels comparable to industrial polymers traditionally used in furniture applications.
Bacterial fermentation is important because it uses microorganisms as part of the production process. This creates a material route that differs from the conventional manufacture of fossil-derived plastics.
The material is formed into furniture components through industrial moulding processes. This allows designers to create curved, enveloping, and sculptural forms without depending exclusively on conventional petroleum-based polymers.
Furniture Applications
BIO® Thermopolymer is currently associated with the following furniture collections:
— Nuez Lounge BIO®
— Bolete Lounge BIO®
The Nuez Lounge BIO® armchair uses a three-dimensional shell made entirely from BIO® Thermopolymer. Its form demonstrates how the material can support both structural function and visual expression.
The material is particularly relevant to furniture with complex curves, continuous shells, and lightweight moulded components. It can be used to create a strong visual identity while reducing reliance on conventional plastic materials.
Colour and Aesthetic Possibilities
Sustainable materials are sometimes associated with restricted colours or visibly unfinished surfaces. BIO® Thermopolymer challenges that assumption.
Andreu World has introduced a broader palette developed with Patricia Urquiola, including tones such as white, sand, basalt grey, black, dark grey, clay brown, olive green, misty blue, terracotta, and oxide red.
This colour range is important for interior architecture because furniture is not only a technical object. It contributes to atmosphere, identity, comfort, and the emotional experience of a space.
The material can therefore support interiors ranging from quiet and neutral to expressive and colourful. Its sustainability story does not require designers to abandon visual richness.
Sustainability Claims and Certification
Andreu World describes BIO® Thermopolymer as 100% biodegradable and compostable, with OK Biobased 4-star certification from TÜV AUSTRIA Group. The company also states that the material is produced using bacterial fermentation and natural plant-based fillers.
These are significant claims, but they should be interpreted carefully. Biodegradability and compostability depend on the relevant testing conditions, treatment facilities, additives, product configuration, and end-of-life environment.
For specification, designers should request the latest certification documents and clarify:
— Whether the certification applies to the material or the complete furniture product
— The conditions required for compostability
— The expected service life
— Repair and replacement possibilities
— The treatment route after use
— The presence of other materials in the complete chair
Relevance to Interior Architecture
BIO® Thermopolymer is especially relevant to:
— Hospitality seating
— Workplace furniture
— Educational interiors
— Public buildings
— Residential lounge furniture
— Sustainable contract-furniture projects
Its value extends beyond the individual chair. It demonstrates how material innovation can be integrated into a complete furniture system, including ergonomics, colour, form, manufacturing, and environmental claims.
For designers, this is an important distinction. A sustainable material becomes more meaningful when it is connected to a usable, durable, repairable, and aesthetically successful product.
Why This Material Matters for Interior Architecture
BIO® Thermopolymer aligns with New European Bauhaus principles through:
— Sustainability: It explores a bio-based alternative to conventional fossil-derived polymers.
— Aesthetics: Its colour palette and sculptural forms support expressive design.
— Quality of experience: It is used in furniture designed for comfort and everyday use.
— Innovation: It connects biotechnology with industrial furniture production.
Conclusion
BIO® Thermopolymer shows how biological material innovation can move into contemporary furniture design. Its importance lies in the combination of fermentation-based production, natural fillers, moulded performance, and a strong aesthetic language. For interior architects, it offers an example of how sustainability can be embedded in the material itself while preserving comfort, colour, and design freedom.