At one of our recent factory events, we had the pleasure of welcoming Carolina Pidal, founder of Carolina Pidal BioInteriorismo, to experience Rice Tab and our production process firsthand.
In this interview, Carolina shares her perspective on the challenges of bio-interior design, the importance of circular and non-toxic materials, and how solutions like Rice Tab naturally fit into creating healthy and sustainable spaces.
What barriers do you encounter when introducing 100% circular and non-toxic materials in interior design projects?
The main barrier remains the lack of information and material culture within the sector. There is still a widespread belief that sustainable materials are more expensive, less aesthetic, or less durable, when in fact the opposite is true in the medium and long term.
We also face limitations in local availability, delivery times, and, in some cases, the lack of clear certifications that allow us to specify materials with confidence.
When you explain to a client that their home can also be a space that cares for their health and the planet, they usually don’t just understand it… they appreciate it. That’s why I believe our role as professionals is to guide, inform, and inspire—so that each decision is a small step toward more conscious interior design. Every project is an opportunity to raise awareness and demonstrate that another way of designing is possible… and necessary.
How important are air quality, formaldehyde-free materials, and sustainable certification in your professional practice?
They are absolutely key. For me, a beautiful space that doesn’t take care of health is not good design. We spend most of our lives indoors, yet we rarely think about what we are actually breathing.
Indoor air quality directly affects rest, concentration, immune system, and emotional wellbeing. Working with formaldehyde-free materials, low VOCs, and reliable certifications is a way to prevent, not just correct later.
Bio-interior design focuses on creating environments that do not harm, but rather support people in their day-to-day life consciously and respectfully.
How do you envision the evolution of bio-interior design in the coming years?
I see it moving from being an “alternative” to becoming the new standard—a natural way of understanding spaces.
There is growing social awareness, more trained professionals, and more clients who no longer just ask about the color of the sofa, but about the origin of materials, their impact, and their footprint.
The future of interior design will necessarily be more ethical, healthier, and more connected to nature. Bio-interior design is not a trend; it is a logical evolution of the sector, something that has come to stay.
What would you highlight about Rice Tab from a bio-interior design perspective?
I would highlight its ability to combine three elements that are inseparable for me: design, sustainability, and health. Coherence—not only the final result, but the entire concept behind it.
Rice Tab perfectly embodies the idea that a material can be beautiful, functional, and responsible at the same time. It is a clear example of how innovation can go hand in hand with respect for resources and for the people who will live with those materials.
From a bio-interior perspective, we especially value its circular approach, its use of natural raw materials, and its genuine commitment to reducing impact without sacrificing design.
Which aspects of the manufacturing process stood out to you in terms of sustainability and health?
I’m particularly inspired by the idea of turning waste into an opportunity. Transforming what was once discarded into a useful material is a beautiful way to close cycles and reduce impact. Waste as a resource—transforming a by-product into a high-value solution.
I also highlight the care taken with binders, clean processes, and the absence of harmful substances, which is fundamental when working with materials that will be present in indoor environments.
Real sustainability starts in the factory, not just in discourse. Moreover, when processes are carefully managed and harmful substances avoided, we protect not only the environment but also those who manufacture the material, those who transform it, and those who will enjoy it later in their home or workplace.
How does Rice Tab fit into the philosophy of creating healthier spaces for people?
It fits naturally because it shares the same premise as bio-interior design: spaces influence how we live, feel, and breathe—they are not just backdrops, they are companions in life.
Working with materials like Rice Tab allows the creation of environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safer, more honest, and more aligned with a conscious way of inhabiting. Places where you want to be, breathe, and live…
Ultimately, it’s about designing spaces that care—for people and the planet at the same time. Designing healthier spaces is a way of caring quietly, and Rice Tab fits perfectly into that philosophy.
