149 companies that incorporate recycled content or have innovative ideas to keep waste out of landfill are particularly appealing.” Circularity is also embraced by designers and specifiers who prioritise sustainability. “At YSA Design, environmental responsibility is a core value – we always seek to use the most responsibly sourced materials,” says Gullikstad. “For example, Aquafil, the producer of textile flooring yarn Econyl, is pioneering the use of circular materials in the maritime sector with its Born Regenerated to be Regenerable (R2R) initiative. Born R2R is redefining how carpets for cruise ships and ferries are designed and recovered at the end of their lifecycle. Unlike traditional maritime carpets – which often end up in landfills or incinerators – Born R2R carpets are dismantled and recycled.” Herget is another strong proponent of circular thinking. “I actively support the Sustainable Maritime Interiors Declaration and work towards a circular approach to material selection,” she says. “I am particularly fascinated by Econyl because it is an endless recyclable yarn which has great potential to revolutionise the cruise industry and beyond. I have lately specified carpets which are made of it and are 100 per cent circular.” Others are turning to new finishes and composite materials that balance ecoresponsibility with performance. “Recycled composites, marine-safe eco-leathers and responsibly sourced woods allow us to weave sustainability into the design narrative in an authentic way,” says Pace. Ryberg has even made use of customised vinyl leather made partly from recycled coffee beans, which she has printed and used as bar stool coverings. “The leather is sustainable and durable too, since it is easy cleanable,” she says. The location of the material, either where it’s stocked or produced, is also crucial when it comes to making environmentally conscious decisions – and also has an impact on cost. “Often, contractors or installers handle procurement and logistical challenges can arise,” says Traeger. “For instance, if the product is based in the USA, but the contractor is in Europe and the ship is drydocking in Asia, using a US-sourced product may not be practical due to shipping time, tariffs and added costs. Being mindful FEATURE Delivering purposeful design at sea Three selected designers share their advice for designers looking to find the right partners and products for passenger ship interior projects My Nguyen Director of Interior Design, Holland America and Seabourn Good design is not only about the beauty of the space, but also about the partnership and trust you have in vendors. As designers, we are only as good as our vendors and their products. Selecting a product for the sake of a product is a shortterm approach. Selecting partners that will continue to innovate and show beautiful products that meet our values is what separates good design and great design. Jason West Managing Director, WDC Creative In marine interiors, design must go beyond aesthetics to meet the demands of compliance, performance and sustainability. At WDC Creative, our product selection is guided by four key pillars: sustainability, customisation, agility and costeffectiveness. These criteria ensure our designs enhance the passenger experience while supporting efficient operations and future-proofed solutions. We’ve been particularly impressed by suppliers such as Newmor, LX Hausys, Herculan and Muirhead – whose products not only meet IMO compliance standards, but also offer quick lead times, environmental credentials and flexible design options. Innovative materials like custom-printed wallcoverings, low volatile organic compound films, solvent-free flooring and fully traceable leathers show how the right product choices can elevate both form and function. Today, marine design is as much about how a space performs and adapts as it is about how it looks. Responsible, high-performance materials are shaping the future of cruise and ferry interiors. Yann Varin Naval Design Expert, Design Eye When choosing materials and products for cruise ship interiors, there are three important factors to consider. Firstly, they must have IMO fire certification. Secondly, they must be able to be customised in terms of pattern and colour. Thirdly, they must have reasonable costs and lead times for procurement and restocking. If any of these are missing, a supplier will most likely be excluded from the list, as the production and delivery of a cruise ship requires a strong commitment and flexibility from all stakeholders. If I had to choose just one supplier of excellence for interior design production in my 30-year boat builder/designer career, it would be Spanish furniture manufacturer Candido Hermida, a company that combines all the qualities a customer could ask for.
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