Manufacturer of 100% recyclable cardboard outdoor furniture Outabox has seen its products taken up by the European Parliament in Brussels.

“I was trying to ascertain exactly how our products were ecologically friendly and if they were carbon neutral,” explains founder Gayle Blanchflower. “I got in touch with FEFCO, the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers, which advises the European Parliament and United Nations. It’s through this organisation that we are going to Brussels next Thursday [18 January] to deliver our products and meet up.”

OutABox products are made from corrugated board which is constructed from 85% already recycled paper. Only the 'top and tail'  is new paper, so they are therefore 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

Is cardboard the new plastic?

The OutABox range includes a ground seat providing firm back support (or it can be laid out as a sun mat); a parasol for shade and shelter that either fits into the seat or has an optional base that doubles as a drinks cooler; and a table with starburst slots for drink stability, which can also be used as a games board.

All items in the range can be printed for promotional purposes and comply easily with all European Community recycling and safety directives. “Furthermore they are carbon neutral products. Using these products to promote your message will confirm your support for the environment,” says Blanchflower.

Aside from the European Parliament endorsement, the company has also won two Golds at the British Inventors Show: Gold for British Invention of the Year 2006 for Leisure products and Gold for the David Nicholas Product Design Award 2006.

For more details, visit www.outabox.biz
www.fefco.org