PU foam is a petrochemical product that requires isocyanates as a propellant during manufacturing. It is widely used in upholstered furniture and is a big problem in the furniture industry. It off-gases, loses support over time, is flammable and therefore dangerous, has a short lifespan, and poses environmental hazards when downcycled or incinerated. Of course the industry cannot stop producing things like sofas and chairs so it’s better to find an alternative to this material.

The SHRINX Easy Chair marks a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable furniture design. Crafted in collaboration with +Halle® and realized using the innovative SHRINX 4903 fabric from Krall+Roth, this lounge chair eliminates traditional polyurethane (PU) foam entirely and offers a radical rethinking of comfort, aesthetics, and ecological responsibility. It’s a foam-free, sustainable approach rooted in material innovation.

Designer: Boris Berlin

SHRINX 4903 is a patented self‑supporting textile made from 68 % polyester and 32 % polyamide, available in 30 vibrant colorways. Its semi‑translucent mesh enables sharp, precise upholstery while revealing the chair’s structural integrity, reimagining comfort without foam. The material has just the right amount of tension and flexibility, allowing it to conform gently to the body while maintaining its form over time.

What you get by using this material is a lounge chair that feels soft, supports well, and looks crisp but still doesn’t use traditional cushioning. Instead of hiding the inner construction, SHRINX 4903 proudly showcases it which makes transparency into both an aesthetic and ethical statement. It’s a celebration of honest design, where form, function, and sustainability intersect seamlessly.

The comfort that you get from this chair is similar to what you’d expect from traditional foam-padded seats, so the innovative material choice doesn’t compromise on the softness or support users are accustomed to. Instead, it redefines how that comfort is delivered, using tension and intelligent design rather than bulk and padding. Its aesthetic takes cues from classic lounge archetypes, inviting, low-slung, and sculptural, yet it pares these down into a more refined, contemporary form. The slimmer profile reduces visual weight, making it ideal for both modern interiors and public spaces. Meanwhile, the upward-arching curves that wrap around the internal frame not only provide ergonomic support but also express a kind of quiet sophistication, marrying tradition with a forward-thinking approach to sustainable design.

The design and production of the SHRINX Easy Chair signals a paradigm shift when it comes to upholstery. By removing foam entirely and leaning into advanced textile technology, it addresses critical environmental challenges while maintaining a high design standard. It also goes to show that aesthetic quality and ecological responsibility can and should be intertwined.

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