WORDS Gina Dionisio EXHIBITION CURATED BY Anja Joubert and Bielle Bellingham STAND DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED BY Cameron Barnes POSTERS DESIGNED BY SCAMP STUDIO PHOTOS Supplied
In a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges, the design industry is stepping up with innovative solutions to incorporate circular design principles and close the loop on waste.
There is a slow but significant shift taking place in the design industry. Driven by the growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to adopt sustainable practices, designers are starting to look to alternative materials as a solution for reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
The societal and planetary impact of design was a major focus at Decorex Cape Town 2024. The Circular Exhibition, curated by Anja Joubert and Bielle Bellingham, brilliantly highlighted this year’s theme, Designing for Impact, by showcasing sustainability through the lens of circular design. From bioplastics made from algae to chairs made with waste paper, these are some of the future-forward materials which caught our eye.
Industrial Waste
Made locally by Zerocrete, the Calio Chair is manufactured using non-recyclable industrial waste materials as fillers and a supplement cement material with a lower carbon footprint than conventional cement. | zerocrete.co.za
Wasted Paper
Occony’s Peak Chair and barstool are made from waste paper, designed to be durable, elegant and recyclable. They come in veneered, upholstered or hybrid versions, with fillings of coconut hair and recycled lambswool. | occony.com
Myco-material
Made from a myco-material grown from hemp and timber waste, these lamps by Afrifungi exemplify regenerative and sustainable design. They are fully compostable, which helps reduce waste and lowers the carbon footprint. | afrifungi.earth
Algae-based Bioplastic
A promising new biodegradable alternative to plastic, the algae’s extracted lipids and carbohydrates are converted into polymers and processed into bioplastic sheets.
Cork
Wiid Design‘s Painted African Cork Stool is made from organic, recyclable cork and painted with eco-friendly water-based paints. Cork is a super material that can be used in multiple ways as it’s biodegradable, renewable, impermeable, elastic, a great insulator and fire-retardant. | wiiddesign.co.za
THE GLOBAL TAKE
The recent Salone del Mobile Milano was the centre point of global designers showcasing a range of sustainable materials.
Biodegradable Plastics and Hemp
Made by Studio Samira Boon, which is based in Amsterdam and Tokyo, BioFold is a range of acoustic panels composed of bio-based and recycled textile residues. BioFold Hemp is made of 50% PLA fibres (biodegradable plastic) and 50% hemp sourced in the Netherlands; the folded panels’ aesthetic is based on Japanese origami techniques. | biofold.nl
Recycled Polyethylene
Thomas Heatherwick’s new In-Side outdoor collection for Italian brand Magis is made from post-consumer recycled polyethylene and post-industrial recycled polyethylene. With the configuration and colour of the flakes varying from piece to piece, the interior surface of each one is unique. The collection includes an armchair, a sofa and a low table. | magisdesign.com
Hemp and Mycelium
US-based brand MushLume Lighting basically grows its lamp shades using sustainably sourced hemp and mycelium, a rapidly renewable living organism. In just a few days, the mycelium cultivates a thick network of hyphae that bind to the hemp substrate, solidifying into a solid structure to create a stable, all-natural lampshade. | mushlumelighting.com
Compostable Waste
Designed by Isabelle Weniger, this range of compostable food and beverage utensils has been created for eating and drinking on the go. The material decomposes under the influence of various factors, including temperature, moisture and the presence of micro-organisms – and it leaves no environmentally compromising residues. | islwiesel_design
Looking for more design inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.
