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Plantd Inc., an emerging manufacturer of carbon-negative building materials, is expanding into the commercial furniture sector through a new partnership with Studio TK, marking its first move beyond construction applications.
The North Carolina-based company will supply its grass-based structural panels for use in Studio TK’s newly introduced Clique Luxe bench collection — signaling broader potential for alternative fiber panels in contract furniture design. The panels, derived from fast-growing perennial grass, are being utilized as primary structural components within the seating line.
Plantd has built its reputation in the construction sector as a high-performance alternative to traditional oriented strand board (OSB). Its entry into furniture reflects increasing demand for materials that can meet structural performance requirements while also addressing sustainability, sourcing efficiency, and carbon impact.
“Furniture is a natural next step,” said Nathan Silvernail, CEO and co-founder of Plantd. “The same properties that make our panels effective in construction translate well to furniture applications, particularly as manufacturers look for materials that can streamline sourcing while improving environmental performance.”
The Clique Luxe collection, designed by Mario Ruiz, features upholstered benches tailored for commercial environments such as offices, hospitality spaces, and collaborative settings. The integration of Plantd panels highlights a shift toward multifunctional substrates capable of replacing multiple engineered wood products — including plywood, OSB, MDF, and HDF — within a single application.
According to Plantd, its panels offer the potential to simplify material specifications for furniture manufacturers while reducing supply chain complexity. The company also emphasizes its vertically integrated production model, which converts agricultural inputs into durable panel products using automated, clean-powered systems.
“Furniture manufacturers often rely on a mix of substrates depending on the application,” said Nate Brown, head of business development at Plantd. “A single panel solution that meets structural, aesthetic, and sustainability requirements could significantly streamline production.”
For Studio TK, the collaboration reflects a growing emphasis on material innovation within contract furniture design, particularly as architects and designers prioritize sustainability alongside performance.
“Partnering with companies like Plantd allows us to explore new material possibilities while maintaining a focus on thoughtful, high-performing design,” said Koorosh Sharghi, president of Studio TK.
The move positions Plantd within a broader industry shift toward alternative fiber-based panels and low-carbon materials, as manufacturers across both construction and furniture sectors seek solutions that align with evolving environmental standards and circular design principles.
