Beset as we are today by overwhelming global events and threats, it is easy to forget that generations before us have not only risen against injustices but have been victorious in bringing about change and securing peace of mind.

In the late 70s and early 80s, across the US, the UK and Europe, the youth of the day rallied against war, bullying governments, authoritarian forces, and a precarious future. Far from gormless, our antecedents stood with conviction to take matters into their own hands and be the catalysts for social equality.

“Only those who believe in a better future are able to build it”

It is from this bedrock of independence and conviction, in the midst of an economic crisis, that French manufacturer Alki was born, and it is with this spirit that it still operates today.

Created in 1981 by five friends frustrated by the lack of opportunities in their region and by the then government’s inaction to change matters, they came together to found a cooperative aimed at creating job security and collective wealth. Embracing an activist culture, Alki advocated fervently not simply for their own success, but for development in their region, sustainability, and the equal redistribution of wealth.

Established as a cooperative, it is, to this day, 100% owned by its workers. All decisions at Alki are made collectively and democratically, with all members invited to have their say in company matters. As younger generations join their ranks, the company is constantly reinvigorated and kept in step with the social climate, while, in turn, the newer generation is nurtured into its ethos and mentored to become future company and society leaders.

Beyond the internal workings of the company, Alki sources 80% of its external suppliers from within a 100km radius, an ongoing commitment to cementing the security of the Basque region in which it is located, thereby upholding one of its founding principles.

Activism + Know How + Creativity = Longevity

While the social climate that led to Alki’s formation 40 years ago has since changed, their activist bent has not. Instead, they have refocussed their fighting spirit to issues that matter today. With the same fervour that drove their inception, Alki has shifted its focus to protecting the environment as well as their regional economy.

In 2003, to ensure the future viability of the business, and in turn the livelihoods of its workers and suppliers, Alki formed a collaboration with industrial designer Jean Louis Iratzoki which led to the reinvigoration of their offering. With the creative direction of Iratzoki and the experience of its in-house craftsmen, Alki’s collection is now loved the world over for its honest use of materials and clean aesthetic, as well as its quality and durability.

In 2015, Alki set a benchmark in the furniture design market with the first chair made from plant-based material. The shell of the Kuskoa Bi chair is made of Bioplastic PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) produced from corn starch, sugar cane and vegetable fibres, no plastics. Combined with the timber frame, the Kuskoa Bi is constructed from 100% renewable materials.

Last year Alki released the Xume chair which uses the world’s most recycled and recyclable material – PET – to create a felt-like moulded seat and back. Designed to be fully disassembled, the Xume allows for the replacement of the seat and back as well as easy recycling of its components – a feature present in many Alki designs – thereby guaranteeing the longevity of the product. 

A zero-energy consumption workshop in the Basque Country

Looking to the future, Alki has embarked on its biggest display of activism to date – a state-of-the-art environmentally-friendly facility that will create new jobs while minimising their environmental footprint. Designed so that it will not require heating or cooling, taking maximum advantage of natural light, and operating on 100% renewable energy, the new facility will optimise their manufacturing processes while reducing their VOC emissions by 80%. In addition, all wood waste will be used in the production of by-products thus contributing to Alki’s sustainable resource management.