Loop
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
Loop is modular furniture, which implement reuse of waste and secondary materials - those generated as a result of consumption, as well as those that are a side effect of production. It is important that Loop also enables the reuse of currently intensively used face masks and the waste generated during their production. Loop furniture can be used both as a seat or a table with a cushion placed on the floor. This product is foldable and flat packed for easy storage and sustainable distribution.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
Loop is modular furniture, which implements reuse of waste and secondary materials - both those generated as a result of consumption, as well as those that are a side effect of the production process. Loop gives a second life to recycled materials such as HDPE used in packaging, as well as industrial waste - plywood, waste from the furniture production. During the current global pandemic it is important that Loop also implement the reuse of intensively used face masks and the waste generated during their production. These scraps, after appropriate preparation, cleaning and processing are valuable and attractive materials. Furniture from the Loop series is small and well suited for compact living spaces. Depending on the needs, they can be used as a seat or a table with a cushion placed on the floor. This product is flat packed for easy storage and more sustainable distribution, however Loop can be unfolded and assembled within seconds.
Key objectives for sustainability
Loop is a product that manifests sustainability and circularity by finding solutions to reuse materials that are commonly considered waste. Plastic sheets are produced by the process of hot pressing shredded plastic, filling of the seat is made out of cut face masks, so by using simple technology it’s possible to gain new features out of common waste. Loop is a project that support growth of circular economy, by collecting waste from producers and private users it creates a net and new communities to support each other and reuse materials in a recurring loop.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Use of aesthetic yet recycled materials resulted in specific, playful character, recycled HDPE colorful sheet contrasts with recycled plywood which creates a balance between these two materials. Loop furniture is very functional and simple, it doesn’t require a lot of space and is foldable and modular. The construction was designed regarding the industry standards and knowledge. It can be used as a stool, but also as a table and floor seat, depending on the users need. Loop is comfortable in its use. Another functional aspect is flat packing, which supports storage in tiny spaces.
Key objectives for inclusion
Loop project is not a only a product, it’s a result of an inclusive and sustainable lifestyle. It connects people from different fields – users, producers and designers. Materials are collected from manufacturers which support them getting rid of the waste and creates new contacts, cooperation and communities. It’s also good behaviour and habit, it motivates to sort waste and also inspire by showing what can be done with garbage, taking a little of effort to reuse it.
Results in relation to category
Loop is a product but it also has behaviour changing and thought-provoking value. This furniture fits with needs of modern times, it’s sustainable but it also focuses on other social issues, like small living spaces and frequent moving from one place to another. Loop is also attractive, aesthetic and unusual piece of furniture that can elevate the comfort of everyday living and spending time at home.
How Citizens benefit
Social involvement of Loop project is creating new paths of reusing waste materials, to create chain of people cooperating in a spirit of circular economy. Involvement of local community is also by creating waste collection points, so it can have educational and activating character in terms of sorting waste and knowing the real value and potential of it
Innovative character
Innovative character of Loop project is inventing new upholstery techique, which is filling the seat/ cushion with shredded facemasks, it turned out to be really comfortable and can be one of the ways of getting rid of huge face mask waste problem both worn out ones (after relevant sterilization – UV, washing) and clean production offcuts. It opens possibilities of reusing face masks on a big scale and motivates to research and develop that field.
