Companies and design studios can produce a lot of waste. This could be from the production of raw ingredients, manufacturing of the product, or the packaging. A variety of waste is produced, but most of this waste is a physical material that can be utilised in other ways. Offcuts may be seen as undesirable, but when put back together in inventive ways, can create a completely new product made from what was once destined to be put into landfill. 

It is hard to eliminate waste completely. Waste can come from many stages of the product life cycle, but some may also be invisible to you as it comes prior to you receiving the product or raw material. But one way to help eliminate the waste you produce is by reusing it in new ways. Of course if we can cut out as much waste as possible then that would make a huge difference. But if this is unavoidable then by creating products from these materials not only do you stop them going into landfill, or even ending up in our oceans, you could also help to generate more income through desirable products at no extra material cost. New processes may need to be generated to handle the waste and turn it into something usable, but sometimes it can be as simple as highlighting the waste. Instead of making it look like something else, and hiding its origin, you could instead champion its past.

Nike – Space Hippie

Nike is a company that is constantly striving to be better. Although they are huge producers of products they are always looking into new innovations. As innovators within their field they have brought out a variety of products which challenge current manufacturing within the trainer industry, such as using recycled materials, and their flyknit technology which weaves the trainer uppers so there is no waste cutting out the textiles. But to become more sustainable they have looked within their own facilities to create a circular system. Their shoe “Space Hippie” is made from recycled waste found within their factories. Each part of the shoe is made from a different material, including: water bottles; t-shirts; foam; and textile scraps. Scraps found on their factory floors come together to create “space waste yarn”, which is woven similarly to their flyknit trainers. The concept began in 2017 when the company looked at reducing their carbon emissions, and decided to look at polluting producing one shoe is, from its materials to manufacture. What makes these trainers stand out is their aesthetic. Many people may not like them, but Nike have unapologetically made them look like they were pieces together. Based on “making do and mending” techniques which are needed when in certain situations, such as in space, when you have little to work with.

IKEA

We are so used to being able to get the “perfect” product easily that if something has a slight imperfection it is seen as undesirable. This is why IKEA has created objects that are made from products that they have had to reject. When visiting one of their suppliers in China IKEA found that any product seen as imperfect, such as having a bubble, was thrown away. They then decided to melt this waste down and turn into the PS Vase, designed by Iina Vuorivirta. The vases are hand blown, and their differences celebrated through the different shades of the glass collected from the waste. IKEA also works with many designers to create their products. They have also turned the plastic film used to wrap delivery palettes at stores into granules, which is then used to produce the Skrutt desk pad. With an emphasis on sustainability becoming ever more apparent within the design sector, and a growing want from consumers it is no surprise that these larger companies are beginning to roll out more sustainable alternatives. An example of this is the Odger chair, made from 70% recycled plastic and 30% renewable wood.

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References:

Nike

IKEA