The Chemistry of Color: Why R.U.M. Only Comes in Green, Black, and Blue

The Wehlers R.U.M. chair collection on display at a design exhibition, showcasing the 100% recycled material options: Fisherman's Green, Keyboard Black, and Pharma Blue.

Introduction

In a world of fast furniture, "choice" is often a mask for waste. At Wehlers, our color palette isn't decided by a design trend—it’s dictated by the planet. To maintain a Full Circular model, we refuse to use dyes or mixed "material cocktails" that make furniture impossible to recycle again.

Instead, we let the waste stream lead the way.

1. Fisherman’s Green: Giving the Ocean a Break

Derived from discarded maritime gear and fishing nets (Polyamide), this material represents our commitment to the sea.

  • The Origin: Post-industrial nylon collected from the North Sea.

  • The Circular Edge: By keeping the polymer pure, the Fisherman’s Green R.U.M. can be granulated and reborn as a new chair, over and over.

Mountains of Fishing nets disposed & ready to be ReUsed as R.U.M. Chairs and the R.U.M. Chair Fishermans Green

Three R.U.M. chairs by Wehlers showcasing the signature circular materials: Fisherman's Green from ocean plastic, Keyboard Black from e-waste, and Pharma Blue from medical waste streams.

2. Keyboard Black: Transforming the E-Waste Crisis

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream on earth. Keyboard Black is our answer to the ABS plastic found in the technology we discard.

  • The Origin: Recycled computer keyboards and electronic housings.

  • The Circular Edge: High-impact strength and a deep, matte finish without the need for carbon-black dyes.

R.U.M. chair from E-Waste to Design Chair:

A circular economy infographic showing the lifecycle of the R.U.M. chair, from raw waste streams like Fisherman's Green and Pharma Blue to the finished furniture and back into recycling.

 

3. Pharma Blue: A Second Life for Medical Plastics

Through our collaboration with leaders like Novo Nordisk, we tap into high-quality medical-grade plastic (Polypropylene) that was previously destined for the incinerator.

  • The Origin: Recycled insulin pens and laboratory plastics.

  • The Circular Edge: These are some of the most durable polymers available, ensuring the R.U.M. chair lasts for decades, not years.

The Pharma Blue in a Canteen:

Professional office setting featuring the sustainable R.U.M. chair collection by Wehlers, highlighting the aesthetic versatility of recycled Fisherman's Green, Keyboard Black, and Pharma Blue materials.


Why "Pure" Materials Matter for Your ESG Goals

When you specify a R.U.M. chair for your office, you aren't just buying furniture; you are participating in a transparent material loop. Because we don't mix these streams, we can offer a Buy-Back guarantee. We want the material back because we know exactly what is in it.

Technical Specifications at a Glance:

Material Waste Source Primary Polymer Ideal For
Fisherman’s Green Maritime Nets Polypropylene (PP) Canteens, Auditoriums, Offices, Universities, Theatres, Public buildings and the like
Keyboard Black E-Waste/Keyboards Polypropylene (PP) Canteens, Auditoriums, Offices, Tech Companies, Communication professionals, architects and design Firms and the like
Pharma Blue Medical Equipment Polypropylene (PP) Canteens, Auditoriums, Offices, Hospitals, Healthcare, Pharmacies and Pharma Professionals and the like

Further reading on the 3 waste streams here

- Maria Fryd, Founder of Wehlers