Turning Waste into Sustainable Design

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

Turning Waste into Sustainable Design
Innovating for a Greener Future

The increasing focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability in the design industry has driven manufacturers and product designers to develop recycled, eco-friendly products that reduce waste and promote healthier spaces. By employing a closed-loop production process, which reuses and reintegrates waste materials into the production cycle, manufacturers are reducing their dependence on new resources and lessening their environmental impact. Explore the innovative products below developed through this sustainable initiative.

Foresso
Designer Conor Taylor developed Foresso, a composite material known as "Wood Terrazzo" made from timber waste, cement, lime plaster, resin, and pigment. Inspired by the wood offcuts and planing waste he observed in a carpentry workshop, Taylor hand-casts Foresso onto birch plywood and seals it with hardwax oil. This sustainable material is ideal for tables, worktops, furniture, and flooring. Based in the UK, Foresso sources FSC-certified timber from within Britain, using only waste pieces unsuitable for planks or joinery.

 
 

Styro-Wrap
The Styro-Wrap stool by Andreu Carulla, part of the “N*thing is Possible” exhibit, repurposes styrofoam, a challenging material to recycle, by using a technique inspired by traditional Balinese rattan-wrapped furniture. Developed in collaboration with Potato Head, a zero-waste Balinese resort, the project turns Styrofoam waste into chairs and stools, blending local craftsmanship with sustainability. The Styrofoam is melted and molded with other recycled materials like oyster shells and HDPE plastics from bottle caps, creating durable furniture. The project emphasizes innovative recycling methods, transforming waste into functional, stylish products while supporting local artisans.

Coil
After two years of development, LightArt unveiled the Coil Collection, a line of pendant fixtures inspired by handcrafted pottery and made through additive manufacturing using upcycled and recycled materials. Waste is pelletized, sorted by color, and refined with pigments and matting agents to achieve a polished look. The collection expanded following LightArt’s partnership with OceanWorks to include the Seagrass and Sea Foam pendants made entirely from ocean-bound and near-shore plastic. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, LightArt plans to expand the Coil Collection to incorporate more waste materials that contribute to environmental pollution.

BottleFloor
Shaw Contract's BottleFloor, part of the ReWorx™ collection, is an innovative hybrid flooring made from post-consumer recycled PET bottles, with approximately sixty-two bottles used per square yard of PVC-free material. Combining the durability of a hard surface with the comfort of a soft one, BottleFloor is designed for enhanced dimensional stability and resistance to indentation. It's stain- and slip-resistant, and can withstand heavy static and rolling loads, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like offices and educational spaces. At the end of its life, BottleFloor can be fully recycled back into itself, reducing landfill waste.

Swirl Tables
SWIRL is a striking collection by Tom Dixon of geometric forms stacked to create multidimensional, functional sculptures. Bold in pattern, smooth in texture, and substantial in weight, these pieces bring a vibrant, pop aesthetic to any space. Made through an innovative process that recycles powdered residue from the marble industry mixed with pigment and resin, SWIRL blocks are sawn, sliced, and lathed into unique creations. The collection includes a family of tables, each with distinct silhouettes and colorations, as well as vases, wall hooks, candles, and candle holders, all with their own distinct personality.

Interested in reading more about turning trash into treasure? Check out this article about innovative upcycling ideas for everyday items that you can do at home!

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Katie Corcoran Garcia is officially LIVE!! On this show, we share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing, and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends, and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out the latest episode here! 

Hello IIDA New England,

I am truly honored to address you today as the President of our chapter. My journey in this field has been shaped not just by my professional experiences, but also by the rich tapestry of personal experiences that have given me profound insights into the nature of our work.

Parenting twins with my incredible husband has taught me the value of resilience, balance, and the unwavering support that comes from a strong community. Just as my family has been a cornerstone in my life, so too has the support from my firm, Gensler, and the many colleagues who have empowered me to explore and expand my creative horizons.

Navigating a career in the creative industry is often a journey marked by unpredictability. As creatives, we embrace the uncertain path, knowing that within it lies the potential for extraordinary growth and innovation. The challenges we face can sometimes seem daunting, but they also offer us opportunities to push boundaries, find inspiration, and develop deeper connections within our community.

IIDA stands as a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our creative network. In moments of uncertainty, it is crucial that we lean on each other, drawing strength from our collective experiences and insights. This network is not merely a collection of professionals; it is a living, breathing community that thrives on shared passion and mutual support.

Look to IIDA New England’s network as a vital resource for inspiration, connection, and growth. Reflect on what drives your heart and use that passion as fuel to create meaningful change—not just for yourself, but for others as well. Volunteering with this organization offers a powerful platform to practice the tools of empathy, collaboration, and creativity. I encourage you to step outside your usual social circles and engage with someone whose experiences and perspectives differ from your own. By broadening our interactions and embracing diverse viewpoints, we not only enrich our own understanding but also contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic community.

As we continue on our respective journeys, remember that our work is rich with potential. By approaching our challenges with kindness, open minds, and persistence, we can turn uncertainty into opportunity and create something truly extraordinary.

Thank you for your commitment to our community. Together, let us embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose.

Warm regards,

 

 Colleen E. Wallace, IIDA

President, IIDA NE Chapter

 
 

Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England calendar for upcoming events (both virtual and in-person) offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:

Check out the list of IIDA New England Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Class of 2023 and the Leadership Exploration & Development (LEAD) Class of 2023!

Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here. 

 
 

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IIDA New England Communications Committee
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