Do you have a favorite chair? Most of us do. We guard them zealously from office colleagues, family members, whoever tries to encroach. In turn we venerate the people who give us chairs of distinction.

Milanese furniture maker ICF, in conjunction with renowned designer Christophe Marchand have developed something new: The Pro Active Chair (PAC). Honored with the ‘most innovative product’ award at NeoCon, the PAC supports the user by means of a new oscillating device, which follows the body’s movements. But technology is only half the story. PAC is also an aesthetic pleasure: translucent, light and buzzing with dynamism.

PAC was completed after extensive research into plastics materials – especially those used in extreme and intensive sports and leisure applications. "In my opinion, designers need to know materials, and, most importantly, designers must be curious," explains Marchand. "Eastman enabled us to understand the requirements of the PAC chair, not only supplying material but also helping with the engineering phases including the mechanical and structural calculations for the parts."

When polycarbonate failed to meet the chemical and mechanical resistance requirements and ABS lacked the required aesthetic quality, Eastman supported ICF’s R&D effort with technical data on accelerated aging and mold-flow testing. This, led to the selection of DuraStar™ polymer. Durastar™ ticks the relevant boxes for mechanical resistance, strength and resistance to UV and common detergents – but mechanical attributes were far from Christophe Marchand's mind: "For me, what is fascinating with this copolyester is the ‘touch’ – it’s a very warm substance."

Because, whatever the temperature, a good chair will always feel warm.