Abstra™ Tile Collection: Investing in a Better Planet

It should come as no surprise that Kohler associates, like so many of us, are passionate about the environment, preoccupied with the climate crisis, and searching for ways to have a positive impact. In fact, what began as the waste-to-value project of a dedicated group of associates has grown into the KOHLER WasteLAB®, where recycled materials are transformed into meaningful new products. Most recently, KOHLER WasteLAB launched the Abstra collection, which contributes to Kohler's commitment to reducing waste to landfill.

“Investing in Our Planet,” the theme of this year’s Earth Day, isn’t new to Kohler. Since John Michael Kohler’s founding of the company and with each successive generation, honoring the natural world and preserving its wild spaces has been a core value. Today, as the impacts of climate change intensify, we continue to drive our sustainability strategy forward. But we don’t stop there. 

The resounding success of the WasteLAB as a waste-to-value platform is evident in the enthusiastic response to our inaugural product launch in 2019. The award-winning Crackle collection is loved by the design community and celebrated for its sustainable and scalable approach to source material. Similarly, the Abstra collection is handcrafted from nearly 100% recycled waste materials. This includes pottery wastewater, excess glaze, and slag scraped from molten iron.  

The finished product truly represents the relationship between art and sustainability. Showcasing the raised and relief designs of Abstra Feature and the subtle undulating surfaces of Abstra Standard, the highly tactile collection invites creativity in vision and design. Senior Kohler Designer Dana Morales describes the collection in this way, “Abstra is a natural object. In style, it is inspired by the natural play of light and shadow on pattern. In substance, it is inspired by the circularity of nature."  

For our associates, the goal of the KOHLER WasteLAB is to promote a culture of sustainability through waste-to-value conversion platforms, education, and outreach to inspire innovation and waste reduction. For architects, designers, and consumers, our goal is to offer environmentally conscious products that align beautifully with their values and their aesthetics.  

Looking to learn more about the Abstra collection by KOHLER WasteLAB? The collection is sold by ANN SACKS and you can learn more here.