Rattan furniture with a modern look: This Machiya Bench and Stool are by Japanese industrial designer Jin Kuramoto.

"Rattan is extremely flexible," writes manufacturer Sika-Design, "and when it gets steamed it can be formed by hand, using old traditional manufacturing techniques and a few simple tools. Rattan is the most sustainable material for furniture manufacturing as it regenerates in the span of 5-7 years."

Rattan doesn't survive long in outdoor furniture, however. Thus the company also makes exterior-use versions of the bench and stool, and in this case the sustainability ranking of the materials used is not mentioned.

"Our Machiya Exterior bench is handcrafted in Alu-Rattan and ArtFibre, and therefore has a unique strength and durability. Alu-Rattan is weather-resistant powder-coated aluminum and ArtFibre is artificial fibers made from polyethylene. Due to the weather-resistant materials the bench can stand outside all year round, without affecting the design or durability. The Machiya Exterior bench [and stool] requires no maintenance and is easy to clean."