The acronym Resopal is composed of the Latin word for resin, resina, and opal, to describe the originally, slightly shiny surface, and was registered as a trademark over 80 years ago. The Resopal patent was registered on 19th December 1930 and granted retroactively on 6th June 1935. Resopal is a cult, an iconic brand, and as the company says “the genuine article”!
The name is associated with coffee tables, plant stands and kitchens. However, Resopal is now not just a surface material, but rather the material for designing the feel-good rooms of the future.
At Interzum recently they went one step further. They produced at a glance what is inside the laminate. Like every art form, however, decors are governed by the spirit of the times. Like most things these days, when they go out of fashion, they have to be disposed of without harming the environment. Ideally, they could be used as an unspectacular backing material when recycling the scrap paper. At Interzum however, Resopal presented “Signed by …” as an opportunity to extend the life cycle of decor papers for certain purposes.
Scrap decor papers are printed with new designs giving them a second chance in the front line. Artistically, Resopal uses the subdued but still tangible, aesthetic power of things gone and forgotten. Instead of being scrapped, the combination with virgin material gives these papers a new lease of life, for the mix gives the old material the space needed to unfold afresh in the union.
The name “Signed by Naturals” refers to a designer range by Lars Contzen released recently at Interzum. For this special collection, the designer who has worked with Resopal for many years developed filigree graphic decors which are exclusively intended to give wood decors a stylish finish and an individual character. The designer himself has picked a selection of wood types, some of which even come from past collections but acquire their own very special charm with a “vintage” touch as a result of homogeneously “blending” with the graphic art. Contzen’s ideas are based on nature. Stylized honeycombs, branches, flowers and leaves on wooden substrates are a common feature of his work.
The idea of enlarging the area of use of decor papers that have gone out of fashion developed when Resopal considered ways of effectively protecting the environment. As a result, these Resopal editions are not only of great artistic effect, but also ecologically sustainable because they revitalise “slumbering” stocks and even make them particularly valuable and full of life.
Recycling is a good thing, a great thing. I wonder if any of our local manufacturers and / or suppliers are doing something similar – if you know – tell us!
For more information visit www.resopal.de
The Australian distributors for this product is Halifax Vogel Group and as David Maltby has made comment today, the product can be made available to us here in Australia – contact David at dmaltby@hvg.net.au
