Redefining the boundaries of biobased composites – in public space

In the Dutch province of Flevoland, the first 15 of 49 new picnic sets have been installed. What makes them special? They’re not made of hardwood or metal – but from a high-performance biocomposite based on locally grown flax.

At NPSP, we’re constantly redefining what biobased composites can do – and where they belong. With this large-scale application in public infrastructure, we’re once again expanding the boundaries of material innovation.

From concept to concrete impact – in five months

The idea originated with Rijkswaterstaat in November 2023. A month later, the project was commissioned. And in February, March and April, the first sets were installed. It’s a case study in what’s possible when design, materials and collaboration come together at speed. Together with Building Balance and Dutch farmers growing flax, we brought the “from land to building” philosophy to life – or in this case: from land to bench.

A new material reality

The fact that our Nabasco factory team was able to move so quickly was the result of over 26 years of experience in (bio)composites towards creating market-ready bio-composite materials like Nabasco 8010.    

These picnic sets are made using Nabasco 8010, a unique material combining natural fibres and bio-based resins. The result is durable, weather-resistant, and circular – ready for long-term public use. For the average passerby, it’s simply a place to rest. But behind the scenes, this project is a bold statement about what our public spaces should be made of – local, renewable, and future-proof materials.

Redefining the public realm, one bench at a time

At NPSP, every project is an opportunity to shift the standard. With these biobased benches, we show that material innovation can be practical, scalable, and beautiful – without compromise.

Redefining the boundaries of biobased composites means:
– From field crop to public furniture
– From natural fibre to structural design
– From idea to impact, fast

And we’re only getting started. 

Want to learn more about Nabasco BioComposite or co-create your next circular space? Get in touch with NPSP's biocomposites experts.