Tacchini and Formafantasma present innovative use of sheep's wool at Milan Design Week 2023

The collaboration between Tacchini and Formafantasma

Italian furniture manufacturer Tacchini and design studio Formafantasma have teamed up to present a new project focusing on sustainability at Milan Design Week 2023. The installation called Tacchini FLOCK, curated by Formafantasma, presents a new manufacturing process that combines traditional and contemporary environmental concerns. The project includes four iconic upholstered seating pieces, including Le Mura, Costela, Five to Nine and Lina, all redesigned from the inside out to incorporate sustainability and material circularity.

Andrea Ferrari

The technology behind the FLOCK project

The role of sheep's wool in sustainability

Formafantasma has integrated a sustainable and nature-based approach into the production of the iconic Tacchini designs. This technique, inspired by the production of antique mattresses, involves the use of surplus sheep's wool as a substitute for industrial foam. To create softness and filling, natural latex is combined with non-soiling sheep's wool, a natural material that is normally considered waste. The installation was located at Capsule Plaza in Milan and was open to the public until April 23, 2023.

According to Simone Farresin and Andrea Trimarchi of Formafantasma, they want to "offer quintessential Tacchini designs with a new approach to padded filling, enhancing the products with a natural solution that supports small producers".

Tobia Scarpa and the revival of historical masterpieces

Tacchini and Formafantasma continue their exploration of the furniture brand's heritage, including designs by Mario Bellini, Martin Eisler, Gianfranco Frattini and Studiopepe. These designs are known for their aesthetic longevity and environmental sustainability. Each design will be available with both its traditional filling and the new wool and natural latex filling.

© Andrea Ferrari

© Andrea Ferrari

New designers and extended collections

In addition to the FLOCK installation, Tacchini is presenting its new products for 2023 at the Salone del Mobile. The brand is expanding its catalog offering with a new life philosophy focused on conviviality, introducing organic shapes and strong materiality in newly presented chairs and tables. The products include historical masterpieces revisited by architect Tobia Scarpa, such as the Sempronia and Dialogo chairs, as well as contemporary designs by Lorenzo Bini. Tacchini also collaborates with new designers such as Umberto Bellardi Ricci, EWE Studio, Salem van der Swaagh and Brian Thoreen and expands their collections such as Sesann by Gianfranco Frattini. Most recently, the Le Mura seating is available in a new color palette from Formafantasma, following its launch last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mario Bellini's design.

Andrea Ferrari

© Andrea Ferrari