The Urbantime collections are the result of a strong sense of environmental sustainability. In our approach to urban furniture, we wanted to create products which respected the environment, not just because they looked good, but also because they were easy to maintain and dispose of at the end of their life.

This desire, which we felt very strongly about, was thus transformed into the search for materials and treatments that would make the product long-lasting and, due to its nature, would be required to withstand often hostile conditions throughout its life cycle.

When choosing outdoor furniture, especially for collective use, a large number of variables must be taken into account.

Firstly, the product must be solid. What does that mean? It means it must be tested for strength and durability by placing a static load on the seat and backrest, both horizontally and vertically. The durability of the seat must also undergo a fatigue test predicting the number of cycles that the product must withstand. Lastly, it must undergo an impact test.

It must also be able to withstand external agents. Take a bench installed near the sea, for example; being subjected to strong winds, salt water and contact with sand are all conditions that an urban furniture item must be measured against. The onset of rust, often caused by poor quality treatments, damage to the protective paint or second-rate welding, must be avoided at all costs. Which is why we treat our products with hot dip galvanization, the most effective treatment known, and why we use high-performance paints and our products are tested to withstand intensive cycles of salt spray. This means that an Urbantime product is certified for resistance to rust formation with a duration similar to that required in marine fittings.

Urbantime relies on Catas research centres and testing laboratories, accredited by Accredia, the Italian Accreditation Body, to test and certify its products in order to ensure the very best performance.

It must be easy to maintain. When furnishing an outdoor space, less care is taken than for indoor furnishing. This is because it takes more time and effort. What would you think, however, if we told you that simply wiping down one of our outdoor products with a damp cloth, mild soap and water would significantly extend its life?

The aluminium slats, covered with a wood-effect film, take the effort out of maintaining the product which would normally have to be repainted to maintain its original appearance.

This simple expedient, like the other small but clever solutions, conceals the amount of thought and expertise contributed by our research and development team.

Lastly, let’s talk about MEC, Minimum Environmental Criteria

Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC) are the environmental requirements for the various stages of the purchase process, aimed at identifying the best design solution, product or service from an environmental point of view for the duration of the life cycle, taking into account market availability.

All the products of the Urbantime collection comply with the MEC directives, designed to be easily disposed of at the end of their life, 100% recyclable, using non-toxic paints.

Choose Urbantime for your public procurement and help promote more sustainable production and consumption models!

Write to sales@urbantime.it to receive further information and the necessary certifications.