What the Project Is
Le Pavé is an innovative project that rethinks waste and plastic trash by transforming it into an eco-material designed for architecture and furniture. SoftSurface™, a flagship product, serves as clear proof that construction of the world of tomorrow can happen simultaneously with cleaning up today’s plastic waste… This concept, built upon certified and sustainable industrial processes, speaks to environmentally conscious builders and designers seeking a material that is not only durable but also steeped in the history and added value of recycled plastic.
Main Benefits
- 90% of plastic waste produced in the world ends up buried or incinerated – a problem now addressed by this innovative material.
- SoftSurface™ has found its place in over 2,000 projects, showing a real impact across various sectors.
- The process has allowed for the recycling of more than 1,000 tons of plastic waste, a significant statistic.
- Produced in factories in Île-de-France and Burgundy, the material is made of up to 100% recycled plastic waste with no added resin.
- Pre-certified A+ for VOC emissions and compliant with REACH regulations, ensuring high quality and environmental performance.
Discovering SoftSurface™ Features
SoftSurface™ comes in the form of durable panels manufactured using a patented industrial process that valorizes plastic waste. By turning trash into a material with technical performance for long-term use, Le Pavé has demonstrated that plastic waste can have a second life. The panels make it possible to create diverse applications such as worktops, shelves, wall coverings, flooring, and various custom objects. The concept is refreshing – it is a material that is not only sustainable but also pleasant to the touch and completely waterproof. This opens up its use in both dry areas and wet applications like bathrooms and sanitary facilities.
Exploring Applications in Daily Life
The practical applications of SoftSurface™ are as versatile as they are innovative. It is used in decorative wall coverings in dry areas – think full-height wall coverings, headboards, and decorative elements – as well as in wet areas for stylish yet functional backsplashes. Additionally, it is frequently implemented in wall coverings and backlit installations that create an ambient environment. Furniture cladding such as buffets, reception counters, and kitchen facades all benefit from the material’s robustness and visual appeal. Designers have also crafted everyday objects such as lamps, catchalls, and baskets out of this uniquely recycled material…
Production and Processing Insights
Manufactured in Le Pavé factories located in Île-de-France and Burgundy, SoftSurface™ is produced using methods that allow it to be processed with conventional tools and techniques. Whether the panels are cut, machined, glued, drilled, thermoformed, or varnished, the production process is compatible with standard practices similar to those used for materials like Plexiglas®, SolidSurface®, or Corian. In effect, it ensures that despite being made completely out of recycled plastic waste, practitioners face no additional challenges when working with it. The result is a material that is both salvage and versatile – further enhancing its appeal in a broad range of industries.
Innovative Raw Material in Focus
Le Pavé’s approach to material innovation is characterized by a commitment to sustainable practices. The project offers a new mineral raw material derived entirely from plastic trash collected directly from nature and near ocean sources. This eco-material is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, allowing for extensive customization. The inherent history of the recycled plastic imbues the material with unique aesthetics and a story of transformation, elevating its status in building and furniture projects. Through continual experimentation, the project magnifies recycled plastic into an innovation cell, offering an array of limitless shapes and colors for architects, designers, and scenographers.
Project Impact – Linked Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by transforming waste into building materials that contribute to urban regeneration.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – reinforcing the principles of recycling and sustainable material usage.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – reducing plastic pollution while minimizing the carbon footprint of construction materials.
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – by intercepting plastic waste from reaching oceans and natural habitats.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – contributing to land restoration by reducing pollution and waste spreading across ecosystems.
Convergence of Sustainability and Design Innovation
Le Pavé and the SoftSurface™ solution represent a bold attempt to reconcile environmental sustainability with modern design demands. With a patented industrial process that delivers a high-performance and customizable material, the project underscores a shift in mindset toward building a better future. The operational benefits, expanded applications, and adherence to strict environmental standards ensure that SoftSurface™ stands as an example of contemporary material innovation. This eco-material is redefining construction and interior possibilities, moving seamlessly from the production floor to the creative workshops of designers and architects. The initiative, blending sustainability with practical design, continues to inspire busy urban developers and eco-conscious creators alike…
