Good news for eco-design lovers, OMBAI, Dubai’s go-to for artisanal, sustainable furniture, is now the first in the Middle East to carry Sungai Design’s collection, made from plastic waste collected from Bali’s rivers.
Behind the contemporary chairs, stools, and loungers is Sungai Watch, a Bali-based non-profit founded by the Bencheghib siblings. Their mission is to restore Bali’s rivers by intercepting plastic pollution before it reaches the ocean.
So far, they’ve installed hundreds of barriers across the island and removed over 3 million kilos – 3,000 tonnes – of plastic waste from rivers in Bali and East Java since 2020.
‘After cleaning rivers for 4 years, we asked ourselves, what if we could up-cycle every piece of trash out there that’s sitting in a river, and turn it into a cool, practical product that replaces new, virgin materials?’ Sam Bencheghib tells The Ethicalist
‘And what if we could take everything that’s sitting in a landfill and convert it into products. And with the funds generated, clean even more rivers and fix the plastic pollution crisis’ he adds.
Enter Sungai Design, the creative arm of the initiative. Launched in 2024, Sungai Design takes river waste – mostly plastic bags – and turns it into stunning, functional furniture. And now, thanks to OMBAI, UAE residents can bring these pieces into their homes.
Each item tells a story: the Ombak Lounger, for example, is made from 2,000 upcycled plastic bags yet looks like a work of art. Their Muara Bench and Seater Chairs are equally chic.
OMBAI’s Sustainable Vision
‘Sustainability is no longer just an option, it is a necessity,’ says Remi Schlumberger, Co-Founder and CEO of OMBAI. ‘As the first distributor of Sungai Design in the Middle East, we are excited to bring this groundbreaking concept to our customers, offering them a chance to be part of a movement that blends sustainability with exceptional craftsmanship.’
OMBAI is also introducing its latest in-house collection of furniture made from sustainably-sourced Indonesian teak wood. Known for its durability and beauty, the solid teak range supports ethical forestry and traditional Indonesian craftsmanship. Conscious consumers and those looking for a stylish interior can choose from statement beds to sculptural shelving, to connect nature with modern living.
OMBAI is the name of a strait in Indonesia (Ombai strait) to resonate with the Indonesian roots of the brand. It’s also a reference to both the Indonesian word for wave (Ombak) and the Javanese word for home (Omah).
OMBAI’s exclusive Sungai Design collection is available to shop online at ombai-living.com or in person at their Al Quoz showroom.
For more information, follow @ombai.living on Instagram.
