ReVi

What it does

Furniture waste is a major part of global municipal solid waste (MSW), often hard to recycle due to mixed materials and metal hardware. ReVi addresses this by using recycled plastic, a universal design, and snap-fit joints for easy disassembly.

Your inspiration

The idea to solve this problem came from observing how much furniture ends up in landfills due to complex disassembly and mixed materials like metal hardware and wood. This issue makes recycling difficult and contributes to environmental waste. Through interviews and research, I discovered a gap in the market for a simple, recyclable component that works across multiple furniture types. Inspired by snap-fit joints and modular systems, I developed ReVi — a universal furniture component made from recycled plastic — to simplify assembly, eliminate metal parts, and support sustainable, circular furniture design.

How it works

ReVi is a modular furniture component made from recycled plastic, designed to replace metal parts like screws and nails. It uses a snap-fit joint, allowing parts to securely click together by hand — making assembly and disassembly quick, tool-free, and easy for anyone. The part is produced through injection moulding, which melts recycled plastic and forms it in a durable, precise mould. ReVi is designed to distribute weight evenly, ensuring stability and long-lasting use, while remaining easy to recycle at the end of its life.

Design process

The design process for ReVi began with identifying the problem of excessive furniture waste caused by hard-to-disassemble components, particularly metal hardware. Inspired by sustainable goals, the concept was to create a universal, hardware-free joint using recycled plastic. Early research included case studies on snap-fit and interlocking joints, traditional furniture joinery, and injection molding techniques. Human ergonomics was also studied to ensure ease of assembly for all users. Using this research, initial concepts were modelled in 3D CAD software, focusing on a snap-fit joint that could hold securely without tools. Multiple 3D-printed prototypes of the mechanism were created and tested through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural safety and stress points. Over 20 iterations were developed and refined to improve locking strength, durability, and ease of use. The final prototype ensures a stable, secure connection and can be manufactured through injection molding, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for modern furniture.

How it is different

What makes ReVi unique is its combination of sustainability, universality, and tool-free assembly. Unlike traditional furniture components that rely on metal screws, nails, or brackets, ReVi is made entirely from recycled plastic and uses a snap-fit joint that securely clicks together by hand — no tools or extra hardware needed. What sets it apart from similar modular designs is its universal application: one single leg design is adaptable across multiple furniture types — chairs, tables, cabinets, and coffee tables — available in four standard heights. ReVi also simplifies the end-of-life recycling process since it is made of a single material and easily disassembled. Few products combine all these elements — sustainable materials, simplified disassembly, structural stability, and cross-functional design — into a single, mass-producible component. ReVi bridges functionality and circular design in a way that is rarely seen in the current furniture market.

Future plans

The next steps for ReVi include refining the design for improved performance and ease of use. Further material testing will explore sustainable alternatives beyond recycled plastic, such as biodegradable or bio-based materials. Additional prototyping and user testing will ensure strength, safety, and user-friendliness. The ultimate goal is to bring ReVi to market, offering manufacturers a modular, eco-friendly component that simplifies assembly and supports circular design principles in modern furniture production.

Awards