🌊 Did you know that every year, 8 million tons of plastic end up in our moana? 🚛 🤯 That's like dumping a rubbish truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.
And every piece of plastic ever created still exists today.
By using sustainable materials like recycled plastic panels, businesses can play a significant role in supporting the circular economy. With an estimated 40% of all plastic waste coming from packaging, there is an urgent need to find innovative ways to keep these materials out of our landfills and oceans. The good news? Circular design principles can reduce the need for virgin plastics and significantly lower the carbon footprint of your next project.
Transforming plastic waste into high-quality, durable materials isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also good for business. It’s becoming essential for companies aiming to meet their sustainability goals and appeal to eco-conscious customers.
And that's our kaupapa at Critical. We’re turning plastic waste into a new kind of resource with Cleanstone—recycled plastic panels made from 100% discarded plastics, including old fishing nets.
If you are a designer or founder, here’s how you can start incorporating circular design principles into your next project:
Opt for furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as modular shelving that can be rearranged or seating with built-in storage. Multi-functional furniture maximises space efficiency and reduces the need for additional materials, supporting sustainable design principles.
When choosing sustainable materials for your fit out, prioritise locally-made products to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This not only supports the local economy but also contributes to the overall sustainability of your project by cutting down on emissions.
Instead of tearing down existing structures or interiors, consider adapting and reusing elements already present in the space. By giving existing features a new life you help minimise construction waste and preserve a sense of history within the design.
👉 I run a green materials company called Critical. and we help designers and brands make beautiful spaces using 100% recycled plastic panels called Cleanstone. If your working on a project, a product and are keen to colab, send me a DM or reach out to my team at criticaldesign.nz
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