.Meet the Maker - Anton
Can you share a personal experience that made you focus on sustainability?
When I started my business, there wasn’t a detailed plan in place—just a strong desire to create something useful and attractive from waste. Back when I was studying Architecture at University of Apllied Sciences, sustainability wasn’t really a big focus in the industry. But everything changed when I became a father. It gave me a deeper sense of responsibility for the future, and the traditional building methods I had learned didn’t feel right anymore. That’s when I started developing a biobased building material—a sustainable plank that was different from anything out there. This eventually led to Planq. I wanted to show its potential, not just as something "eco-friendly" but also as something that could be stylish and innovative. I started designing furniture like tables and chairs, and soon enough, the interest grew, and before I knew it, we had become a furniture brand!
What was the pivotal moment when you realized the need for such a company?
Honestly, it came about just by doing. We didn’t start by designing a chair and then searching for materials. It was the other way around—it was ‘material-driven design.’ We asked ourselves, "What can we make from this circular material that is both modern and unique?"
That’s where the journey started.
How do your personal values align with the mission of your company?
I've always had this knack for connecting ideas from different industries. For example, something from the building industry became a solution for the furniture world, combined with techniques borrowed from the automotive industry. I also love how the fashion industry is
always setting trends and pushing the envelope—I'm inspired by that approach to keep innovating and thinking outside the box,
rather than sticking to the ‘classic’ way of making furniture.
What challenges did you face in the early stages of building the company?
Looking back, the timing was perfect in a strange way. I had nothing to lose at that point—no mortgage, no high costs. I was still living on a student budget. But what I did have was a huge motivation to succeed. Becoming a father gave me this incredible drive.
Suddenly, I had a family to support, and that pushed me to take my career seriously.
It’s funny—what felt like a miracle at the time turned out to be my biggest motivation.
And for anyone wondering; yes, we’re still happily together, and we’ve since welcomed a second daughter into our family!
How do you define success for your company, beyond financial metrics?
That’s a big question. Of course, making a profit is important. But for me, it would be even more rewarding to build a brand that inspires others. I’d love for us to be one of the first companies to really push the furniture industry in the right direction, toward more sustainable practices that can create real impact in the world!
What emerging trends in sustainability and circular design have you observed recently?
It’s an exciting time because there’s so much movement in sustainability and circular design right now. But one of the biggest challenges I see is authenticity—how do we know what’s *truly* sustainable? It’s not just about products; this uncertainty is everywhere—from the news to politics, and especially in marketing. So, instead of shouting about how sustainable we are, I believe in giving people the transparency they deserve. We show exactly what we do, with no sugarcoating. Is it perfect? No. Can it be better? Always. But the key is letting people decide for themselves if what we’re doing feels genuinely sustainable. And, surprisingly, this honesty seems to resonate.
How do you see consumer demand for sustainable furniture evolving over the next few years?
We’re at a turning point. More and more people are waking up to the idea that their choices matter, even when it comes to furniture. Consumers want to invest in pieces that aren’t just beautiful, but have a positive impact. And I think that demand is only going to grow stronger as people become more conscious of the environmental footprint behind every purchase.
How do you balance aesthetic design with sustainability principles?
It’s always a delicate balance, and the real challenge is not just aligning design and sustainability, but also making it affordable. The reality is, consumers are getting used to lower prices, and that puts pressure on every brand. But for us, it’s about finding harmony between those three pillars: sustainability, design, and price. A sustainable product should mean it’s built to last, with quality materials, but sometimes that’s tough to achieve on a tight budget. We don’t compromise on durability—our goal is to create furniture that looks great, is eco-friendly, and can be part of someone’s life for years.
How are global movements and regulations around sustainability impacting your business?
While we haven’t felt the impact directly just yet, we are starting to see ripples. Global events, like wars, are affecting the cost of raw materials and transportation across industries. But closer to home, here in the Netherlands, a new law on textile waste management (UPV) is shifting the landscape. Companies are beginning to realize they’ll soon face taxes on their unsold fabrics and waste. Now, they’re coming to us, eager for solutions to their waste streams. It’s opening new doors for us—what was once a challenge is quickly becoming an opportunity.
Company Vision & Future Plans
What new products or innovations are you currently working on and how do they align with your overall mission and sustainability goals?
Right now, we’re working on a new project called the ‘Super Sofa.’ The concept is simple and fits right in with our brand’s philosophy. We’re not about adding another sofa design to the world just for the sake of it! Instead, we’re focusing on how the sofa is built. Every material we use is sustainable, not oil-based. The entire sofa is made from reused materials, and we’re using the best sustainable fabrics for the upholstery. So, it’s a new product, but without the need for new resources.
Are there plans to expand your product line or enter new markets?
Definitely! Aside from the Super Sofa, we’re expanding our collection with more products, like a truly sustainable phone booth
and meeting pod. We’re always looking for fresh ideas and ways to improve.
What partnerships or collaborations do you foresee as essential for your company’s future?
We want to be more direct in production, so we can meet our goal of recycling as much textile waste as possible into our designs.
How do you envision the future of sustainable design in the furniture industry?
Regulations are going to become more important in the coming years. You’ll need to prove your sustainability efforts through certifications, and we’re already working on an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) to stay ahead of that.