Launches of foam-free sofas are coming in hot and fast, as furniture makers wake up to the toxic impacts of polyurethane padding. Below are seven recent examples, packed instead with beans, latex and nothing but air. More about Seven foamless sofas filled with unexpected materials
Designer Paul Crofts and furniture brand Isomi have applied 3D-knitting to sofa design with Knit One, a foam-free modular couch debuting at NeoCon 2025 this week. More about Isomi creates 3D-knitted sofa with air as the only cushioning material
Promotion: Swiss furniture brand Vitra has announced the development of a world-first easily recyclable polyurethane foam, developed in partnership with chemicals company BASF. More about Vitra introduces recyclable polyurethane upholstery foam called V-Foam
Sustainability-driven designers including Richard Hutten and Lilian van Daal have contributed to Rethink Softly – a project by Rianne Koens dedicated to creating seating that doesn't rely on polyurethane foam. More about Rethink Softly seating creates comfort without foam
This month's Dezeen In Depth newsletter examines the role of polyurethane foam in furniture manufacturing and features an interview with Rafael Pelli. Subscribe to Dezeen In Depth today! More about Dezeen In Depth examines the environmental impact of polyurethane foam
Fossil fuel-based polyurethane foam has been a firm favourite in furniture manufacturing for over half a century. Jane Englefield investigates the consequences of this dependable but unsustainable material. More about The "knotty problem" of polyurethane foam
Adidas has started a public trial of its endlessly recyclable UltraBOOST DNA LOOP trainer, created as part of the sportswear company's drive to conform to the principles of the circular economy. More about Adidas begins trial of recyclable trainer as part of its drive "to end plastic waste"
Research organisation Mercari R4D and a team including students from the University of Tokyo have jointly developed an inflatable electric-scooter that riders can stash away inside their backpack. More about Poimo is an inflatable electric-scooter that can be transported inside a backpack
London-based designer Charlotte Kidger gives new life to polyurethane foam dust by turning it into multi-coloured pieces of furniture. More about Charlotte Kidger uses industrial waste to create colourful furniture
This range of furniture by designer Joel Blanco is designed to bring messiness into people's homes. More about Joel Blanco's Messless furniture encourages chaos in the home
Blocksfinj, a recently-launched Beirut-based company making foam furniture, showcased squishy blocks that look like solid stone during Beirut Design Week. More about Geometric foam blocks mimic marble and terrazzo at Beirut Design Week
Benjamin Hubert's design studio Layer has launched a new furniture collection for Moroso, which introduces a new way of bonding upholstery textiles together. More about Benjamin Hubert's modular furniture introduces new method of bonding textiles
A small concrete stalk supports the bulbous form of this unconventional home by Czech practice Šépka Architekti, which stands in a steeply sloping orchard on the outskirts of Prague. More about Sprayed polyurethane lends rocky appearance to orchard house by Šépka Architekti
This squishy light by German product designer Simon Frambach can be used as a warm, glowing pillow. More about Soft Light by Simon Frambach
This mobile home by Chinese studio dot Architects consists of a quilted cube attached to the back of a tricycle. More about Bao House by dot Architects
Milan 2011: Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola presents this quilted sofa with a plastic frame at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan this week. More about Foliage by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell
Dutch designer Aldo Bakker has sent us images of his Urushi series of lacquered polyurethane objects. More about Urushi series by Aldo Bakker
Vienna architects Pichler & Traupmann Architekten have completed an open-air swimming pool in the park of a 17th-century castle in Jöss, Austria. More about Open Air Pool Eybesfeld by Pichler & Traupmann Architekten