Formex Sustainability Award 2026 – Eight Entries Nominated

Formex continues to highlight actors who work with a responsible and long-term approach to materials and production. Ahead of the fair on January 20–22, 2026, the jury has nominated eight entries that, in various creative ways, show the path towards a more circular and resource-smart future. This year’s nominees span a wide range of expressions and materials, yet share a clear commitment to conscious resource use.

Formex Sustainability Award recognizes companies and designers who allow sustainability to permeate both their thinking and execution. This year’s nominees, selected by a jury of five experts in sustainability, design, and interiors, will be presented in a collective exhibition during Formex. The entries were evaluated based on material selection, production methods, durability, circularity, and transparency.

The jury behind Formex Sustainability Award 2026

Maria Soxbo – Journalist and sustainability lecturer
Maria Lagerman – Circular business and concept strategist
Malin Jensen – Interior designer focusing on sustainability
Emma Olbers – Designer focused on sustainable development
Daniel Svahn – Interior architect and designer

Together, the jury represents broad expertise in sustainable design – from material and design knowledge to circular processes and business development.

“It is always exciting to go through the nominations and see the wide range of products and industries represented. Something I find particularly encouraging is that reuse seems to be increasing; more and more companies find ways to make use of materials that already exist and turn them into new products. Since production usually accounts for the largest share of climate impact, this is an important step,” says Maria Soxbo, Chair of the jury.

Nominees for Formex Sustainability Award 2026

Garments made from upcycled home textiles – Qeenew

Cotton and linen home textiles—sorted out from Red Cross shops because they cannot be sold—are rescued and upcycled into beautiful, handcrafted everyday garments by Lisa Viola Setterberg. Each piece exists as a single, unique item and has already proven its durability through a previous life as curtains, tablecloths, or bedsheets. Any defects are cut away, but every usable centimeter of fabric is saved and put to use. All production is done by hand, and the design is created with minimal waste in mind. With 100 percent care and a “use what you have” mindset, garments are made to be worn, loved, and repaired when needed—for a lifetime.

Hand-embroidered capes/vests from leftovers – MB Form

Decades-old Swedish-woven wool textiles are paired with secondhand yarns to create capes and vests full of character. Mira Bodiroza Lindh’s small-scale, hand-embroidered pieces are each a unique work of art, crafted from materials that might otherwise be forgotten or discarded. Using traditional craft techniques, these textiles are given new life—without the emissions associated with resource extraction or industrial processes common in much of the fashion industry. The result is a statement—literally.

KIR bowl/plate in recycled plastic – Gotland Garbage

A blend of marine and land-based plastics (100% polypropylene, fully recyclable) forms the raw material for Gotland Garbage’s KIR bowl and plate—sustainable in multiple ways. Post-consumer plastic is given a second life, while the material itself has a lifespan of over 200 years. KIR is virtually indestructible and can be recycled again if needed. Produced on demand, each bowl or plate has an owner from the very start. The pattern is inspired by ground elder, an edible plant often dismissed as a weed. In the same way, KIR transforms plastic waste into functional home objects, giving it new value through circular design.

Trees made of reused copper – Flowerfield Creations

Lina Marklund creates “Trees of Life” from collected natural stones and copper wire salvaged from old electrical cables donated by individuals and construction companies. Each tree is handmade and primarily made to order. As the name suggests, they are designed to last a lifetime. Should the need arise, the copper wire can be removed and recycled, while the stones can be returned to nature. A beautiful reminder of the natural world we risk losing if we do not handle our resources responsibly.

Bark Rug – Fabric Forest

Fabric Forest’s rug is a reminder of the forest as a precious resource. Woven entirely from 100 percent paper yarn—both warp and weft—it produces 78 percent lower emissions than a comparable wool yarn rug. No surface treatments or dyes are used. The company incorporates mixed wood fibers from Swedish forests and salvaged offcuts, including trees affected by bark beetles. With its clean design, an expected lifespan of around 20 years, and the option to repair loose threads, this biodegradable rug becomes a natural favorite in the home until it reaches the end of its life, when it can be recycled or returned to nature.

Gotland wool duvet – Rosa Räven

For years, Swedish wool has often been burned or discarded despite its excellent qualities. At Rosa Räven, washed, needle-felted wool is instead transformed into approximately 50 fluffy duvets per year, promoting restful sleep. Each duvet is sewn on a small scale in unbleached cotton in Klintehamn, Gotland, following a no-waste policy where even minimal scraps are repurposed into new products. A “try-before-you-buy” service with loaner duvets helps ensure that each duvet is used, supporting the goal of giving every wool duvet a long and meaningful life in a home.

Meditation candles and holder “Stillhed” – PHOS LysLaboratorium

This set of small meditation candles and a handcrafted holder serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, reflect, and rest—a thoughtful gift for the modern, stressed individual. The candles are made from 100 percent untreated, sun-bleached, and plant-dyed beeswax; the handmade holder is crafted from natural clay, and the sturdy gift box is designed for long-term reuse. PHOS follows the motto Use Less, Use Better, ensuring that all materials are either cycled back into production or preserved for future use. The entire candle-making process is fully transparent and takes place in a Copenhagen studio open to the public.

Textile spray – Pure Effect

An innovative solution for removing odors and refreshing clothes, shoes, and textiles without using a washing machine. The spray contains beneficial bacteria that break down the organic matter responsible for odors, such as sweat. By reducing the need for frequent washing, Pure Effect extends the life of garments and other textiles while saving both energy and water. It also refreshes items that are difficult to clean, such as upholstered furniture, helmets, and shoes. A product designed to encourage sustainable behavior, with the goal of reducing global laundry by 30 percent.

Winner announced at Formex 2026

The winner of the Formex Sustainability Award 2026 will be announced during Formex press breakfast on January 20th. All nominees will be displayed in an exhibition at the entrance square on January 20–22 at Stockholmsmässan.

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