Cork for designers.
Basic information
Project Title
Cork for designers.
Full project title
Cork as a material for industrial designer.
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Finding new biomaterials. The main raw material in this project was cork dust and granules, as they are bio-waste and cork is one of the most sustainable material in the world. Composites created with the support of scientists use various binders and can be used in many industries. As an example, a hanger was created from one of the proposed biomaterials, because bilions of them (mainly plastic) are thrown away every year. The new utility process for this item has been redesigned.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Poland
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The project was created to find a sustainable substitute for harmful plastics and a response to the huge environmental problems related to the industry.The main raw material in this project was cork dust and granules, as they are bio-waste in production processes. Cork is one of the most sustainable material in the world. It has a number of great properties such as flame retardancy and antibacterial properties. Cork oaks do not need to be cut down to obtain this material, and debarked trees absorb more CO2. Composites created with the support of scientists use various binders and can be used in many industries. As an example, a hanger was created from one of the proposed biomaterials, because bilions of them (mainly plastic) are thrown away every year.
Key objectives for sustainability
The aim of the project was to find a substitute for harmful plastics and to raise awareness of how big ecological problems are, e.g. in the fashion industry, which are not thought about every day. the choice of the main raw material was industrial waste, and the material itself is one of the most sustainable in the world. It has a number of great properties such as flame retardancy and antibacterial properties. Cork oaks do not need to be cut down to obtain this material, and debarked trees absorb more CO2. With the help of scientists, biomaterials with various properties have been developed. They can replace various types of plastics. As an example of use new biomaterial, I designed a hanger which solves the problem of throwing away tons of hangers every year. The hangers are light, lighter than e.g. wooden ones, which reduces the carbon footprint in transport. An important conclusion from the project was that design can gain a lot by entering into a relationship with science, and unsuccessful experiments lead to discoveries and innovative solutions.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
An innovative form that changes the process of using this item arouses interest, which helps and promotes education on ecology. The seemingly simple form surprises with its functionality, which allows for many ways of use and prevents the collars from stretching. The material is aesthetically interesting, with a variety of textures providing positive sensory experiences, some samples allow light to shine through, providing new application possibilities. The nature of the material may have a positive impact on the sense of biophilia.
Key objectives for inclusion
The materials are safe, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so they can be used by virtually anyone. The designed hanger makes it easier to use for people with motor problems. The price in the context of quality is attractive and accessible - it is an inclusive product.
How Citizens benefit
The project has not been implemented on the market, so the people involved were people supporting the project (scientists from the Lodz University of Technology, lecturers at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz), testers, people close to the author and visitors to exhibitions and fairs. Based on this project, I provided inspiration and knowledge to the students of the academy. There are currently plans to conduct workshops at the Academic Design Center in Lodz, Poland for the local community (for people who have no knowledge of ecology and biomaterials, but also for those who want to expand their knowledge).
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The main innovation is the creation of new biomaterials using waste. The hanger design is an innovative solution because it changes the utility process while improving functionality and aesthetic values.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
new area for me: science (chemistry),
an area in which I have broader knowledge: mass industrial production, ecology, circular economy
Chemistry - knowledge in the field of polymer biocomposites, thanks to which I developed new biomaterials and performed properties tests, among others. mechanical and hydrophobic. Thanks to them, I also had access to the necessary equipment. At a later stage, we contacted my supervisor and the idea of a symbiosis between students of both universities was created to use the potential of both. On the recommendation of a professor from the University of Technology, I contacted a patent lawyer.
an area in which I have broader knowledge: mass industrial production, ecology, circular economy
Chemistry - knowledge in the field of polymer biocomposites, thanks to which I developed new biomaterials and performed properties tests, among others. mechanical and hydrophobic. Thanks to them, I also had access to the necessary equipment. At a later stage, we contacted my supervisor and the idea of a symbiosis between students of both universities was created to use the potential of both. On the recommendation of a professor from the University of Technology, I contacted a patent lawyer.
Methodology used
I used the design thinking methodology, starting from research on the issues, creating hypotheses, and then verifying them in desk research and studies with experts. It was also important to research the market, the needs of stakeholders, i.e. users, but above all, the ecosystem. The second method is parametric experimentation, which resulted in many samples (including unsuccessful ones). Prototypes of the hanger were created, which I tested and improved.
How stakeholders are engaged
People involved in this project:
- scientists from my city - chemists from the Lodz University of Technology - provided substantive support in the creation of materials, and at the same time were made aware of the synergy resulting from combining design with science and the impact of design on improving the quality of life
- lecturer from the Academy of Fine Arts - support in 3D printing technology
- the organizers of the Material Matters exhibition in London - promoted the project internationally
- promotion department at the Academy of Fine Arts - Promotion of the project in social media
- Academy of Fine Arts authorities - submission to prestigious national competitions
- Competition organizers: ASP Prime Stage competition for the best diplomas, national Design32 competition, international Graduation Projects plebiscite Zamek Cieszyn -> project promotion
- owner of the Corkpol company - substantive support in the field of knowledge about the material and its processing and supply of the main raw material
- the Portuguese company Murrato, which started cooperation with me after seeing the project at the Material Matters fair in London
- scientists from my city - chemists from the Lodz University of Technology - provided substantive support in the creation of materials, and at the same time were made aware of the synergy resulting from combining design with science and the impact of design on improving the quality of life
- lecturer from the Academy of Fine Arts - support in 3D printing technology
- the organizers of the Material Matters exhibition in London - promoted the project internationally
- promotion department at the Academy of Fine Arts - Promotion of the project in social media
- Academy of Fine Arts authorities - submission to prestigious national competitions
- Competition organizers: ASP Prime Stage competition for the best diplomas, national Design32 competition, international Graduation Projects plebiscite Zamek Cieszyn -> project promotion
- owner of the Corkpol company - substantive support in the field of knowledge about the material and its processing and supply of the main raw material
- the Portuguese company Murrato, which started cooperation with me after seeing the project at the Material Matters fair in London
Global challenges
The global challenge is to stop littering our planet with harmful plastics. The local solution is to raise awareness in this area and use sustainable solutions, and in this case it is the production of biomaterials and products made from them.
Learning transferred to other parties
The project itself shows a number of possibilities of using materials in many industries and using many technologies. In addition to 3D printing - injection molding, in addition to the fashion industry - automotive industry, interior design, etc.
Keywords
biomaterial
sustainability
ecodesign
fashion
experiments
