In the age of climate change and overconsumption, Sungai Design by Indonesian non-profit Sungai Watch is changing the game by producing sustainable furniture from Bali’s river plastic waste. This newly launched design studio showcases the potential of an innovative approach to combining art and practicality when designing furniture and turning discarded plastic bags into interior pieces.
“Bali’s cultural heritage is woven into every piece we create at Sungai Design. From the colors and textures inspired by the landscape to the sense of purpose in crafting items that respect nature, we see our products as a bridge between tradition and modern sustainability,” says Kelly Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Design.
The process of turning waste into sustainable furniture is linear. The Sungai Watch team collects plastic bags harmful to Bali’s ecosystem as part of their mission of cleaning rivers in Indonesia. Then, these plastic bags undergo an extensive cleaning process that removes traces of their former life. Finally, these bags are heat-pressed into durable sheets, forming the foundation of future furniture creations.
“Once we saw the staggering amount of trash we were collecting daily, we knew that simply removing it wasn’t enough; we needed to find creative ways to reuse it. A turning point was realizing how much of this plastic was nearly impossible to recycle conventionally,“ the co-founder shares. “We had to either find a use for it ourselves or watch it pile up. This was the spark for Sungai Design—to turn this waste into something of value, adding another layer of impact to the work Sungai Watch was already doing. Now, every chair, stool, or bench we produce is like a testament to the resilience of Bali and the vision of a cleaner world.”
“Much of the plastic we collect is tough to recycle in conventional ways, so we had to develop our own methods to mold, press, and shape it into something both durable and artistic. It’s like re-imagining what waste could look and feel like. The challenges are real—sometimes the material resists our efforts, and sometimes we need to experiment with new techniques to get it right. But when it works, the reward is seeing something discarded transformed into a piece someone will cherish, giving a second life to materials that would otherwise pollute the environment,” Bencheghib says.
Using CNC technology, the plastic sheets are shaped into precisely cut panels that serve as the framework for Sungai Design’s furniture. This approach optimizes material usage, ensuring no offcuts are wasted in the production process. This zero-waste principle extends to the design itself, where every panel is meticulously shaped for durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, making the finished product sustainable and luxuriously contemporary.
Thanks to the use of highly adaptable and strong plastic sheets, all the items are unique. These creations show environmental responsibility, leading to exceptional art. Bencheghib describes the process as “a journey full of problem-solving.”
Sungai Design’s skilled artisans carefully polished, assembled, and refined each piece. The panels are merged to create a seamless, floating effect that exudes elegance and craftsmanship. This fusion of artisanal skill and ethical practice is what sets Sungai Design apart, making it a trailblazer in the sustainable design industry.
However, don’t underestimate this project’s mission beyond creating beautiful furniture pieces. This is part of an important global ethical design movement that emphasizes the importance of fostering a deeper level of communication with the community and the environment. Therefore, each piece represents a collaboration of skilled artisans, passionate sustainability advocates and activists, and innovative designers united to create impactful design.
“Each piece tells a story—not just of Bali’s beauty but also of its resilience. We’re transforming collected river plastic, which we collect 4,000 kilograms per day, into furniture that feels rooted in the island’s essence,” she further explains. “Our goal is for these items to feel like they could be part of a Balinese home, whether they end up in Bali or beyond. This adds a layer of intention to the craftsmanship, celebrating both the culture and the call to protect it.”
The impact of Sungai Design is both immediate and far-reaching. By repurposing thousands of plastic bags from rivers into valuable furniture, the studio helps reduce plastic pollution and funds ongoing river cleanups across Bali and beyond. This commitment to ethical practices and environmental preservation positions Sungai Design as a pioneer in sustainable interior design.
Sungai Design’s collection is an invitation to reimagine what waste can become and to join a movement that turns discarded materials into something extraordinary. As this design studio grows, it is cleaning up Bali’s rivers and setting a new standard for sustainable interiors worldwide—one upcycled plastic bag at a time.
