Where does the responsibility of designers, producers, and retailers end in driving the circular economy? Is it with datasheets or cradle-to-cradle designs? We believe there's more. By revealing the beauty of materials, we can question whether they were ever truly waste to begin with.
A new perspective
Behavioral change is the crucial, yet often missing, link in the circular economy. At Dutch Circular Design, we are committed to closing that gap through our approach. Our goal is not just about processes and materials, but also shifting how people perceive waste.
We've learned that when people can't see where their waste ends up, they're less likely to engage in recycling. That's why we focus on making waste visible in our designs, showing that recycling works and can create high-quality, innovative products.
This vision shapes both our design process and aesthetics. Keeping waste recognizable while giving it visual appeal is a challenge, but it's one that pushes us to explore new creative possibilities and redefine beauty. This journey is not just necessary but also exciting, as it leads to fresh solutions for both design and sustainability.
Colleberation with HMC
This year, for Dutch Design Week, the designers of Dutch Circular Design teamed up with students from HMC to create a collection of new designs that highlight the hidden beauty in discarded products. The collaboration brought together seasoned designers and emerging talent to explore creative ways of turning waste materials into functional, visually appealing pieces.
The collection demonstrates how materials that would typically be considered waste can be reimagined into something valuable, blending creativity with sustainability to challenge conventional ideas around waste and recycling.
This partnership between Dutch Circular Design and HMC students is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared vision for a more circular, sustainable future in design. Featured at Dutch Design Week, the collection showcases how waste can be transformed into beautiful, purposeful creations, underscoring the importance of education and creative problem-solving in addressing environmental challenges.
