About four years ago, in 2006, Coca-Cola came to Emeco with a proposal. Their recycling plant in Spartanburg South Carolina was brand new and processing thousands of plastic bottles a day and they were looking for ways to show the value of recycled plastic. Everywhere else in the world people recycle about 80% of their bottles while in the US one recycles only about 20%.
Coca-Cola asked Emeco to make the classic Navy Chair out of a new, unproven formulation of rPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate- recycled plastic bottles). They introduced the company to the scientists at BASF the international chemical innovator and together they developed proprietary mix made of about 60% and a special combination of pigment combined with glass fiber for strength.
In Coke-Speak, “The goal of the 111 Navy project was to alter consumer behavior by illustrating the value of rPET with beautifully designed and everyday products - ultimately encouraging more recycling."
Requiring a state-of-art mold, the new chair includes the original stretcher (structural brace) below the seat. This detail not only assures authenticity, but creates great structural integrity. The chair is available in six colors: Red, Snow, Flint Gray, Grass Green, Persimmon and Charcoal. Snow, Flint and Red can be used outdoors.
