Tag Archives: recyclable

Recyclable stool made from potato scraps and sawdust can be used for firewood

Posted on by

There are plenty of designs that advertise being sustainable, but many of them stop halfway through the product’s life cycle. They are usually made from sustainable or renewable materials, and some, but not all, are made with a reduced carbon footprint. That said, not many cover what happens after the product has served its purpose, which often means adding to the already enormous amount of waste we produce annually. Fortunately, there are some designs that do take that into account, creating a circular economy where the product or its materials can be used for other purposes. One example is this cork-like stool that, true to its wooden nature, can actually be used like firewood to heat up a space or, better yet, fuel workshops that will produce the materials to be used to create another stool.

Designer: Renaud Defrancesco

Wood is a much-loved material by designers and producers. It has an innate beauty and texture that’s hard to reproduce artificially, it is biodegradable, and, to some extent, also renewable. It takes time for trees to grow, however, and not all parts of the wooded material actually end up getting used. Many get left on the cutting room floor, either as small chunks or, worse, sawdust. The latter is easy to take for granted until they pile up and become pollutants themselves, at least until they dissolve and disintegrate over a long period of time.

Briket is a stool that tries to solve that material waste problem by giving a new purpose to waste byproducts not just from woodworking but also from the food industry. In a nutshell, this nine-legged stool is made from sawdust scraps as well as potato scraps, both biodegradable and environment-friendly materials we throw out by the ton every day. Creating the parts of the stool itself isn’t exactly hard either, as it mostly involves compressing these minute pieces until they become a rigid and solid mass. This, in theory, can be done anywhere there’s an abundance of wood waste, which practically means sawmills, carpentry shops, workshops, and other places that work with large quantities of wood.

What makes the Briket stool more interesting, however, is how it can be used for some unrelated purpose when it has reached its end of life. Inspired by wooden pellets used for bonfires and fire pits, it can serve as fuel to heat up a place or keep the fire of a workshop going, letting it serve people one last time before finally biting the dust, pun intended. In fact, the legs of the stool can be individually removed and replaced, making the piece of furniture almost immortal as long as there are replacement parts available.

In terms of aesthetics, Briket has a unique raw appearance and texture that is more similar to cork than wood, something that might not sit well with everyone’s tastes. Because of that, some people might even have doubts about its stability and reliability as furniture you will sit on. Fortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case, and Briket stands as a shining example of a truly sustainable design from start to finish.

The post Recyclable stool made from potato scraps and sawdust can be used for firewood first appeared on Yanko Design.

Glucose monitor and insulin pump concept is a sustainable way to keep tabs on diabetes

Posted on by

Of the many disorders that afflict people today, diabetes is perhaps the literally most painful one to monitor and maintain. Even with advancements in medical technology, pricking your finger is still the most accurate way to measure blood sugar levels. At the same time, taking in insulin often involves painful and tedious injections. And it isn’t just humans who are hurting from these, but the environment also suffers from all the waste these life-saving tools produce. It’s probably high time to have a glucose monitor and insulin delivery system that is not only painless and convenient but also sustainable, which is exactly what this minimalist-looking device concept is proposing.

Designer: Maxwell Stevens

CGMs or Continuous Glucose Monitors are one of the less invasive methods of keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels, though most do require inserting a sensor under the skin that is read by a device that sticks to your body over that site. When it comes to injecting insulin, on the other hand, insulin pumps remove the need to always pierce your skin for every injection, as a needle stays in its position for a day or two before needing to be replaced, unless the pump is one that actually stays on your body and above your skin. If these two devices sound almost related, it’s because they really are, and the Ingo CGM and insulin pump concept actually combines these two functions into a single, reusable, and sustainable device.

This oval-shaped device combines two critical functions in a single compact design that diabetes patients can discreetly wear on their bodies. Ingo can even have different colors to match skin tones so they won’t stand out as much as more obvious medical devices. There’s also the element of convenience as the device can be easily recharged on a wireless base, while the CGM sensor and pump needle are integrated into the sensor patches that stick over your skin.

Ingo also differs from existing CGMs and insulin pumps in the way that it tries to reduce the amount of waste as much as possible. Instead of disposable parts, it uses reusable components and recyclable patches, lessening the burden on the environment that these solutions often place on the planet. The rechargeable device and refillable insulin tank also prolong the life of the product or at least those parts that shouldn’t have to be thrown away frequently. Ingo is definitely an interesting proposal for a more humane and more environment-friendly way to keep diabetes patients living healthy and meaningful lives while also taking care of the planet they’re living on.

The post Glucose monitor and insulin pump concept is a sustainable way to keep tabs on diabetes first appeared on Yanko Design.

This bluetooth speaker gives a second life to plastic waste and old e-bike batteries

Posted on by

You’d think that we would be able to solve the world’s plastic problem with the many products we’re seeing that re-use this material. But of course, compared to the amount of plastic that humans produce and consume, it’s still a pretty small percentage and so we still need to come up with more solutions. We’re seeing innovative concepts and products that are also well-designed. You’re getting the best of both worlds as you get something functional and pretty and you’re saving the world one plastic at a time.

Designer: Gomi

Collection One is a Bluetooth speaker that can be decorative, a source of good music, and is also environmentally friendly. Each speaker is made from plastic waste as well as e-bike batteries that are not being used anymore. In fact, each of these portable devices are made from 44 plastic bags that were returned to its raw form before being turned into materials for the speakers. The creators say they have been able to save six tonnes of plastic waste with this collection through the local recycling companies that they partnered with.

Each speaker has modular components so if one of the parts breaks down, you can still have it replaced if it can’t be fixed anymore. There are three designs available with each one having a distinct colorway and is inspired by specific artworks. They’re named Panther, Avalanche, and Ultraviolet. The aesthetics are a cross between “Dieter Rams and Picaso” so you get some abstract and colorful designs to go along with the music or ebooks or podcasts that you’ll be streaming through these devices. Each one is handmade so you know you’re getting something special.

As for the sound quality, Collection One is from a design company but hopefully they will be able to create something that will give you great audio as it comes with a full range neodymium driver. They promise to bring software updates to the connectivity aspect of it and will also offer repairs, trade-ins, and other upgrading facilities later on. The speakers are priced at £299 (US$365) and will be available in 7-10 business days after you place your order (well, if you’re in the U.K)

.

The post This bluetooth speaker gives a second life to plastic waste and old e-bike batteries first appeared on Yanko Design.

This minimal IKEA-worthy kitchen with recyclable parts is designed to last a lifetime

Posted on by

Today, almost everything or everyone has gone green, whether it involves wearing clothes created from bio textiles or using gadgets powered by solar energy – sustainability is running high on everyone’s mind, and we’re always using/looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the mass-produced designs we’ve grown so accustomed to. So, why should kitchens be an exception? How about transforming our kitchens into sustainable spaces as well? Seems like Danish startup Stykka comes from the same school of thought since they designed their innovative ‘LoopKitchen’.

Designer: Stykka

“In order to transition to a more sustainable way of consumption we need to make products that are designed for circularity that can be repaired and hence prolong the lifespan of the products,” said Stykka. Crafted from birch plywood, LoopKitchen is a minimal and contemporary kitchen designed with recyclable parts, in an attempt to increase its lifespan. Although LoopKitchen is built primarily from birch plywood, the kitchen fronts can be finished in birch as well, or a Forbo linoleum which is available in 20 colors.

Now, how has Stykka managed to increase LoopKitchen’s lifespan? The solution is simple yet ingenious. Each physical manifestation of LoopKitchen has a digital twin! This is basically a visual representation of the product. Each digital twin is linked to the actual LoopKitchen and can be accessed via a QR code located beneath the sink. The owner has to simply scan the QR code, and since the digital twin is linked to Stykka’s online maintenance platform, Stykka is instantly informed which front or part of the kitchen needs to be replaced. Hence, owners can replace parts of LoopKitchen once they are worn out or damaged, and Stykka simply recycles or reuses the broken-down bits. In fact, you can also exchange the kitchen’s old parts for new colors, if you’re looking for a bit of a change! Stykka utilizes a digital manufacturing platform to manufacture the kitchens on a “print to order” basis, which basically means that kitchens are produced only once they are ordered, hence eliminating the risk of overproduction and excessive waste.

Another intriguing feature of LoopKitchen is that Stykka has only placed a single wall between cabinets, instead of having a double wall, as is seen in most kitchens. “With this simple move we saved more than 15.8 percent of materials,” said Stykka. In a world where excess is valued, and everyone’s always trying to go overboard and outdo each other with their possessions, the LoopKitchen is a refreshing furniture design that lays immense value on minimalism and recyclability. Designs like the LoopKitchen are the future of contemporary kitchens.

The post This minimal IKEA-worthy kitchen with recyclable parts is designed to last a lifetime first appeared on Yanko Design.

Rowing machine concept uses minimalist, recyclable design

Posted on by

I’m the kind of person who wants to get in more exercise this new year but also hates going to the gym or basically going outside to work out. So I’m always on the lookout for things I may be able to use inside the house to burn some calories. I easily get bored with all those workouts on YouTube so I need to have some alternatives that will still help me to lose a few pounds. If said exercise machine is also eco-friendly, of course, that’s better for me and the earth.

Designer: TZEN Studio

Lora is a concept for an indoor rowing machine that is hoping to ease the boredom of working out while still giving you the aerobic workout that you need. It also wants to find the balance between humans and the environment by using plastic and aluminum that can eventually be recycled when the product reaches its end of life. To also help you not get that bored while working out, there is a stand to attach your smartphone or small tablet so you can watch something else while working out.

The rowing machine is made from aluminum alloy and uses a continuous structure. It is able to bring together engineering structure and technology to come up with a machine that will help you burn fat and help lessen waste with its recyclable material. It also has a pretty minimalist design so that when you’re not using it, you can just prop it up against the wall so it will not take up space in your living room or home gym. Product renders show a yellow green striped texture in the front.

While the design and the concept seems pretty good if you’re looking for an exercise machine, the effectivity as an aerobic, fat burning device will be determined when the product is actually made. I’m not into any type of rowing exercise but it would be interesting to see the design and engineering techniques applied to other kinds of exercise machines like treadmill, stationary bicycle, etc.

The post Rowing machine concept uses minimalist, recyclable design first appeared on Yanko Design.

This sustainable coffee machine concept is modular and easily repairable

Posted on by

Coffee lovers and their friends often joke about how the world actually runs on coffee, but there’s no denying how much of the drink is made and consumed on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it’s a kind of human fuel that does have its own negative effects on the environment, even if indirectly. Used coffee grounds are thrown away and wasted by the tons, cups either increase plastic waste or paper use, and coffee machines get broken and disposed of indiscriminately. While there are already attempts to address the first two problems, there are very few solutions when it comes to the sustainability of coffee machines. Just like every other appliance, not much thought is given to their life cycles, which is what makes this modular coffee machine design rather revolutionary while also being aesthetically interesting.

Designer: Thomas Mair

Appliances are made for human convenience, not only in their use but also after they can no longer be used. While repairing broken appliances is ideal and more cost-effective, chances are people simply dispose of them and buy new ones. Whichever path they take, most appliances end up in landfills, and only a fraction of their parts can actually be reused or recycled because of their composition. Either way, it’s not a sustainable situation for our future.

Coffee machines might not be the most common consumer electronics in homes, but their widespread use and the way they operate make them ideal for a thought experiment. Kara is the result of one such process, resulting in a modular coffee machine that’s meant to last forever, even when the manufacturer has stopped producing replacement parts. The secret is that these parts can be 3D printed if access to the original is no longer possible. The more technical components can be replaced or substituted with other electronics, presuming those are still in production.

Unlike most designs that promote repairability, Kara doesn’t require advanced knowledge or skills to make that possible. Some parts are connected using magnets, making it trivial to take the coffee machine apart and put them back together again. For those parts that need a bit more handling, a small screwdriver is also included with the machine and replacement parts. The process is easy enough for anyone to do, but the machine also offers step-by-step instructions through its built-in screen or a connected smartphone.

Different parts of Kara use different materials, and these use different colors for easier identification. It also creates a unique visual of the coffee machine, which easily makes it stand out from other coffee makers that usually embrace black and silver motifs. It is definitely an interesting solution to the problem of sustainability, one that coffee enthusiasts can embrace to make them feel good while they sip their cup of Joe.

The post This sustainable coffee machine concept is modular and easily repairable first appeared on Yanko Design.

This 3D-printed backpack is constructed from fully recyclable mono-materials to create a circular design loop

Posted on by

Outdoor mountain sports brand Vaude developed Novum 3D, a 3D-printed backpack that’s made from mono-materials to be recycled and made within a circular design loop.

Vaude is an outdoor mountain sports brand that develops sustainable outdoor gear because they want younger generations to be able to enjoy the outdoors in the same ways we’ve enjoyed it. Supplying the clothing, accessories, and equipment necessary to take on your next hike, camping trip, or forest bath, Vaude is committed to a responsible and sustainable design process from start to finish and back again. Using innovative 3D printed back pads, Vaude’s latest product is a fully recyclable backpack made from mono-materials.

Designer: Vaude

Dubbed Novum 3D, Vaude’s outdoor backpack features a honeycomb construction that ensures maximum stability while keeping the materials needed for production to a minimum. Each component of the backpack, from the straps to packsack and even the honeycomb back pads is 3D printed from 100% thermoplastic material (TPU). Each component of the Novum 3D is also fully removable and recyclable, taking a big step towards a circular economy.

Sustainability remains at the forefront of Vaude’s design principles. As the designers note on their website, “Ideally, a product should be returned completely back to the production process at the end of its life cycle. This is true recycling, but it is still a big challenge for the textile industry at the moment. Many products consist of at least 5 to 10 different materials or mixed fabrics and therefore cannot be separated by type. For this to succeed, the entire product life cycle must be considered and redeveloped.”

While some might assume that sustainable design isn’t necessarily a comfortable design, Vaude’s integration of 3D printing ensures both. Looking no further than nature to define the backpack’s comfort, Vaude notes, “Innovative 3D printing technology creates an extremely lightweight suspension system. The honeycomb construction is one of the most stable forms in nature. This type of construction offers us the highest stability with the least amount of material. The lightweight, open structure also automatically provides ideal ventilation. At the same time, different degrees of hardness ensures ideal pressure distribution.”

The post This 3D-printed backpack is constructed from fully recyclable mono-materials to create a circular design loop first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modraker mountain bikes to come in 100% recyclable cardboard packaging that’s compact than ever

Posted on by

Mondraker has the laurels of being one of the elite manufacturers of the most lightweight mountain bikes, future-forward electric mountain bikes, and the pinnacle of quality when it comes to hardtrail mountain bikes. The Spain-based brand specializing in making gravity-oriented bikes has been long committed to the school of thought promoting a sustainable world, and now it is their turn to inspire others to do the same. Apparently, Cannondale and VAAST have already gone down this route, with Trek also committed to the plastic-free goal by 2024.

To play their part in the bigger scheme of things to safeguard our planet earth, Mondraker has introduced their 100 percent plastic-free and 100 percent recyclable initiative. The MTB pro has introduced the industry first, completely recyclable cardboard packaging and other associated components for all its mountain bikes. The bicycle industry which on one side addresses green travel living with its zero-emission characteristics is juxtaposed on the flip side as a contributor to plastic and other toxic wastes in the form of packaging.

Designer: Mondraker

That’ll no longer be the problem with owning a Mondraker mountain bike, as the cardboard packaging is accompanied by organic, compostable materials. They’ll ship with an adhesive tape made out of rice and a security seal crafted from potato pulp. The inks used on the packaging are all biodegradable, along with the two reusable Velcro straps. The whole package is strategically designed to cut down waste and leave no footprint, whatsoever, for the local dealers as well. Meaning, there will be no zip-ties, foam or plastic packets to deal with when you unpack the bicycle.

The internal layout of the new packaging box is such that it takes less time to assemble the bike on the production lines. The overall volume of the package has also been reduced compared to the outgoing packaging which will save shipping space. To top it off, the design parameters of the recyclable boxes offer better protection to the bicycle in transit. The new packaging design is not just about removing plastic from the equation but providing superior shock absorption too. Mondraker hence devised this totally recyclable solution which they produce in-house in their new headquarters.

The post Modraker mountain bikes to come in 100% recyclable cardboard packaging that’s compact than ever first appeared on Yanko Design.

This collection of biodegradable Christmas decor was designed to combat the waste produced during the holidays!

Posted on by

Winter With is a Christmas-themed collection of biodegradable home decor and accessories such as candles, side tables, and mugs.

While is Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays celebrated across the globe, it also creates a whole ton of waste. Whether it’s from indoor decorations, gift wrap, or tree ornaments, we collect a good amount of trash during the holiday season that only ends up in the landfill come the new year.

Designer: Jinwook Lee


While too much waste is never a good thing, no one wants to skimp out on the joy that comes with decorating the house with festive decorations for Christmas. Designer Jinwook Lee conceptualized a collection of biodegradable Christmas decorations and accessories called Winter With to scratch our holiday itch without hurting the environment.

Describing the collection’s origins, Jinwook explains, “There have been numerous incidents in 2021, but I think one of the most serious problems is the environmental problem…the plastic, which is thrown away too easily compared to huge plastic consumption, is causing animals to suffer and the environment to be destroyed at a faster rate than ever.”

In response, Jinwook designed Winter With, a Christmas-themed collection stocked with decor and accessories, from candle holders to side tables.

Inspired by the sight of falling snow, Jinwook’s Christmas-theme home collection is made entirely from recyclable and biodegradable plastics. Since most holiday items are used only for a short period of time before being discarded, Jinwook aimed to solve the issue of hard plastics ending up in landfills by the end of the year. Comprised of six different items, Jinwook’s Winter With collection will bring the holiday spirit to every home.

Santa is a match holder made from biodegradable plastic that appears as a micro-sized Santa hat with a Russian doll-inspired build. Initially appearing like a cute Christmas decoration, when users lift the hat of Santa, a pool of matches and striking surface is revealed. Winter With also features three different types of candles: Candle Ball, Leaf & Fruit, Red Shoe, and Woodbark.

Whereas the Candle Ball is a candle disguised as an ornament, Leaf & Fruit, Red Shoe, and Woodbark come with candle holders inspired by different winter scenes. Snowball is a trio of Christmas mugs that appear like stacked snowballs and Slope is a biodegradable plastic table built in the image of snow-covered slopes.

The Candle Ball appears like a traditional ornament but features a wick for candle lighting. 

Winter With features an array of different candles inspired by holidays scenes. 

The Tree accessory is a trio of Christmas mugs that stack together like snowballs.

Woodbark is made from copper, a type of metal that’s partly made up of recycled material.

The post This collection of biodegradable Christmas decor was designed to combat the waste produced during the holidays! first appeared on Yanko Design.

This modular single-person car adapts to changing lifestyle, giving increased value to your vehicle

Posted on by

Over a lifetime our personality is molded depending on the lifestyle and the circumstances around us. But when we bring home a car, it stays virtually unchanged, barring some superficial modifications from the after-market accessories and tuning customizations. What if our four-wheeler could also have a dynamic persona that could morph in a jiffy depending on our needs? A vehicle that is ultra-modular at the core right at the time of purchase?

This is CMPN concept by Sungguk Park, who mustered up the compact single-person vehicle as a part of the BA Thesis project. For a debut project, the designer has done a phenomenal job of putting together a modular vehicle that’s compact, is ideal for solo city commuters and doesn’t stop you from exploring the outskirts for an adventure trip on the weekend. The electric car employs the modular structure on the exterior as well as interior to suit the user’s needs – much like your wardrobe where you have the option to go with the flow. The ability to replace and even recycle modules without much hassle is good for the longevity of use of the vehicle – thereby helping in staying abreast with the greater goal of a sustainable future.

According to Sungguk, mobility could be a companion in the process of change in a person’s life. Hence, CMPN is designed keeping in mind users’ changing tastes. Each module is made up of recyclable materials and is more than enough for single people to use every inch of the space efficiently. On the inside, there are no distinct lines between the cargo space and interior space which increases the flexibility of use. When needed the seat can be pushed back to make more space for extra luggage or daily objects. There are charging ports, a modular bookshelf, coffee holder and door pockets to keep all the essentials.

The EV can be controlled with mobile devices too and when in a parked position on the side of a beautiful beach, the steering wheel conceals in the dashboard which can then be used as a full-sized desk. Dashboard cabinets act as rails to install modules such as bookshelves or drawers. On the outside, the uniformity of design means more possibility of adding the desired modules to the front or back. For example, a skateboarder can configure the rear module to have MUV-like space for carrying skateboard, bags and other things. While a professional can have modules in place to make more use of the space on the interior while keeping the exterior minimal. Everything on the CMPN can be configured via the compatible app – something that the automotive future will cherish in a decade’s time!

Designer: Sungguk Park

 

 

The post This modular single-person car adapts to changing lifestyle, giving increased value to your vehicle first appeared on Yanko Design.