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Sailing Towards Sustainability: groundbreaking sampan collection launched – A First-of-Its-Kind Voyage into Design and Conservation
- Ocean Purpose Project
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Sampan Collection: A Bold Step Toward Circular Design in Celebration of World Water Day and World Wood Day
SINGAPORE – 21 March 2025 – In a pioneering partnership, Ocean Purpose Project and ipse ipsa ipsum are proud to unveil the Sampan Collection, a revolutionary line of eco-luxury furniture created with sustainability, ocean conservation, and craftsmanship in mind. Launched in celebration of World Water Day (22 March) and World Wood Day (21 March), the collaboration highlights the importance of repurposing materials to reduce waste, mitigate climate change, and protect our oceans and forests.
The Sampan Collection draws inspiration from the heritage of the Orang Laut, Singapore's indigenous seafaring people, known for their resourceful use of marine waste to build boats. Through this partnership, iii and OPP breathe new life into discarded ocean debris and reclaimed wood, transforming these materials into high-quality, environmentally friendly furniture.
Why This Collaboration Matters on World Water Day and World Wood Day
World Water Day, observed on 22 March, aims to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the need for sustainable water management. OPP’s ongoing work in ocean conservation, particularly through marine waste collection and bioremediation efforts, addresses the rising concern of marine pollution. By using ocean plastics and marine waste to create the Sampan Collection, this partnership is directly contributing to cleaner oceans and healthier water ecosystems.
World Wood Day, celebrated on 21 March, emphasizes wood as an eco-friendly and renewable biomaterial. The Sampan Collection honors this by incorporating reclaimed wood, using traditional craftsmanship techniques that align with the principles of circular design. By repurposing discarded wood instead of sourcing new materials, this collaboration reduces deforestation and promotes the responsible use of forests, supporting a more sustainable approach to resource consumption.
Crafting a Sustainable Future: Circular Design and Environmental Stewardship
At the heart of this collaboration is a shared vision of sustainability, where craftsmanship meets environmental stewardship. The Sampan Collection exemplifies circular design by transforming waste materials into timeless pieces that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Every item is made from reclaimed wood, with natural finishes and no harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or synthetic coatings. This ensures that each piece is as safe for the home as it is for the planet, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting a circular economy.
Watch the journey Saurabh took to neighbouring Indonesian islands to understand how old boats could be turned into furniture and how sampans made by the Orang Laut were built sustainably: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr-HOFlnCIQ
By combining OPP’s commitment to marine conservation with ipse ipsa ipsum's eco-luxury design approach, the Sampan Collection demonstrates how sustainability can be embedded in both the materials and processes used to create beautiful furniture. Each piece is a symbol of the potential for design to contribute to environmental solutions and create a regenerative future.
A Call for Sustainable Choices
Through the Sampan Collection, customers can make a direct contribution to ocean conservation and environmental restoration. Proceeds from every piece sold will go towards OPP’s initiatives, including:
Ocean Cleanup Projects: Supporting OPP’s efforts in marine waste removal and beach clean-ups.
Plastic-to-Hydrogen Innovation: Funding OPP’s cutting-edge technology that converts ocean plastics into hydrogen fuel.
Blue Carbon Research: Supporting OPP’s seaweed farming projects aimed at restoring marine ecosystems and sequestering carbon.
Circular Design Practices: Promoting sustainable and circular design processes that reduce waste and reliance on virgin resources.
Each item in the Sampan Collection is more than just furniture; it is an investment in a cleaner, healthier planet. By choosing pieces from this collection, consumers are embracing the power of circular design and contributing to global sustainability goals.
Supporting Heritage, Supporting the Future
The Sampan Collection not only celebrates the craftsmanship of the Orang Laut but also tells a story of environmental preservation. Inspired by their sustainable boat-building techniques, iii has used reclaimed wood and marine waste to create functional art pieces that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. This blend of cultural heritage and contemporary design serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable practices are not only rooted in the past but also integral to the future.
“Through this collaboration, we have the opportunity to create more than just eco-luxury furniture,” said Saurabh Mangla, Founder & Creative Head of ipse ipsa ipsum. “We are designing a future where craftsmanship, sustainability, and the ocean come together in harmony. Our work with OPP is a testament to the power of circular design in addressing both environmental challenges and consumer needs.”
Mathilda D’Silva, CEO of Ocean Purpose Project, added, “The Sampan Collection is a manifestation of OPP’s mission to protect the oceans while advancing innovative, sustainable solutions. Every piece purchased helps fund our ocean conservation efforts, from beach clean-ups to cutting-edge environmental technologies.”
Join the Movement for a Sustainable Future
The Sampan Collection is now available for purchase, with proceeds supporting OPP’s ongoing marine conservation efforts. Each piece is a reminder that sustainability and design can coexist, making it easier for consumers to make eco-conscious choices.
By purchasing from the Sampan Collection, you are contributing to a cleaner ocean, supporting innovative climate solutions, and helping to preserve forests and water systems for future generations.
For more information or to purchase the Sampan Collection, visit: www.ipseipsaipsum.com
For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact:
PR for ipse ipsa ipsum: Saurabh Mangla, Founder – ipse ipsa ipsum📧 founder@ipseipsaipsum.com
PR for Ocean Purpose Project: Maria Teh, Partnerships Lead – Ocean Purpose Project📧 partnerships@oceanpurposeproject.com
About ipse ipsa ipsum
ipse ipsa ipsum (iii) is a Singapore-based eco-luxury home décor brand that specializes in upcycled wood furniture. By blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable design, iii offers stylish, functional furniture that promotes responsible consumption and circularity.
About Ocean Purpose Project
Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) is a social enterprise dedicated to solving ocean pollution. Founded by Mathilda D’Silva, OPP works on cutting-edge projects like bioremediation using seaweed, plastic-to-hydrogen technology, and community-driven clean-up initiatives to advance sustainable ocean conservation.
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