In Toronto, where design and sustainability are shaping the future of interiors, Canapy has introduced something the world has never seen before. We’ve taken a daily ritual, drinking tea and reimagined its leftovers as a resource. The result is Was Tea, a material born from used tea leaves, now crafted into our iconic Papilio Sofa.
This isn’t just another eco-friendly initiative. It’s proof that waste can be beautiful, practical, and long-lasting.
Giving Tea a Second Life
Billions of cups of tea are enjoyed every day, but most tea leaves end up in the trash. Instead of letting that cycle continue, our team in Toronto asked: what if these leaves could live on?
Through a careful process, we developed a new material that transforms discarded tea into something remarkably strong and versatile. Some of it even becomes a faux leather finish soft to the touch yet durable enough to withstand the demands of busy restaurants, hotels, and commercial projects.
The Papilio Sofa, Reimagined
Our first design using Was Tea had to be a statement piece. That’s why we chose the Papilio Sofa, a timeless model that now carries an entirely new story.
Built with commercial-grade resilience, perfect for high-traffic interiors.
Already in use across Europe in well-known restaurants.
Now finding its way into projects across Toronto and North America.
A design that merges comfort, sustainability, and originality.
This is more than furniture; it’s a conversation starter, a reminder that innovation and responsibility can coexist.
Why This Matters
For us at Canapy, sustainability isn’t a side project, it’s a responsibility. By rethinking materials, we’re reducing waste and reshaping how design fits into a circular economy. The Was Tea Collection is one of the clearest examples of that mission in action.
By choosing pieces like the Was Tea Papilio Sofa, designers, developers, and business owners aren’t just selecting seating. They’re investing in a future where materials have second lives and interiors tell meaningful stories.
Discover Was Tea in Toronto
The Was Tea Papilio Sofa is more than an innovative material—it’s a bold step toward better interiors. If you’re in Toronto, visit our showroom and see how something as simple as tea can transform into a durable, sustainable, and beautiful design.
👉 Get in touch with us to explore how Was Tea can bring both character and conscience to your next project.
