CDW Tarkett Talk
‘Beauty of Circularity’
4.6.24
FRANKLIN TILL AND THE BEAUTY OF CIRCULARITY
Caroline Till’s CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK talk on the Beauty of Circularity held at Tarkett Atelier left a strong impression on SUNA DESIGNER, KATRINE OBEN.
While there’s often, quite understandably, a lot of doom and gloom around the subject of global warming and our impact on the planet, KATRINE WAS left feeling unusually uplifted and inspired about the future.
Reframing of our understanding of this topic, with a focus on the positive steps we can take to make a real change can be the difference to whether people engage or ignore the topic. So, rather than focus on what might be if we don’t take steps to change our actions, we hope you’ll enjoy exploring some of the creative ways we can all start to think differently when looking to the future.
Who are Franklin Till?
Franklin Till are a research agency exploring design, colour and material innovation for a sustainable future. They work with Tarkett Atelier and other brands to “future-proof the world’s largest brands and organisations, supporting them to remain connected, inspired and relevant.”
In their own words “Over the past 14 years [they] have defined a methodology that joins the dots between sociocultural shifts, technological innovation and environmental change to create impactful work with context.
“[Their] expertise spans research, strategy and creative. [They] deliver insight and intelligence to INSPIRE, strategy to DEFINE frameworks, emerging audiences and innovation opportunities, and meaningful activations that CONNECT.”
Shifting our thinking
In the past, and still today, consumerism has lead us to believe that we need the newest product, out with the old and all that, but the first takeaway that struck a chord is that we need to shift our thinking from sustainablility to “putting back better”, what Till referred to as ‘regeneration’. So, rather than just using recycled materials and recycling once we’ve finished using that material, going beyond the idea of circular design and thinking about how the material in question can actually enrich the earth. This may be through the use of bio-based materials which will actually replenish the earth once no longer needed.
Bio-based materials (or biomaterials) are materials made from plants, animals, enzymes and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and yeast. Bio-based materials are often biodegradable, but not always, so make sure to do your own research. By using bio-based materials, which are biodegradable, it’s possible to return the product to the earth at the end of its life, rather than adding to landfill.
Products made to be remade
It is, of course, also important to try and make sure the product will last as long as possible. One way of doing this is simplifying its parts and making it easily repairable. An example of a product that’s been designed to be remade are Roku Shoes by Camper.
ROKU is a six-piece modular shoe, recycled and designed for recyclability. Made to be assembled and disassembled, repaired, and customised by you.
"Looking back at where we started, there was more of a to-do list than a visual moodboard.
We wrote down some key points around circularity and then I started making small prototypes on my own to test different ways of
how to construct and disassemble shoes without any glue, so we can repair or clean and then disassemble and recycle the shoe or its pieces.
Very soon, we found out that the shoe needed to be made from the least parts possible.
Each piece needed to be made with the minimum manual [labour], considering zero waste during the production as well."
Camper lead designer Eliška Horčíková told Dezeen.
Camper have also included a ‘Take Back’ program which offers users a discount on new purchases – win, win!
Design the end at the beginning
In order to create regenerative design we have to think about the end result of the design before the starting point. What will happen to the item created using x material once it’s worn down or no longer fit for purpose, or simply, no longer wanted?
We must utilise materials that can be remade infinitely.
And look at ways we can take back (recycle) the materials we’re putting out into the world. So when enquiring about a product from a supplier don’t just ask if it’s made from recycled materials but also question if it can be recycled after use. Can they go one step further and offer to take back the item in question once it’s no longer fit for purpose and recycle it themselves? The more we ask this as a consumer, the more likely companies will start to implement this way of thinking into their new products.
“As part of our global sustainable packaging ambitions, at Mars we’re taking action to redesign our packaging portfolio
as we work toward our goal of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging.
Alongside this, we are working to support the development of flexible plastic recycling infrastructure
in the UK and make it easier and more convenient for our consumers to recycle their plastic packaging today.”
There is no circulation without collaboration
While it’s easy to assume a default mindset of ‘everyone for themselves’, changing our mindset to think more collaboratively will open up new opportunities while allowing us to share our collective knowledge to make everyone’s future better.
Till referred to open source platforms such as Material Cultures which help people learn about how to utilise bio-based materials such as straw within buildings, asking, in return, that everyone shares their findings.
From single use to single materials
Another way to ensure easy recyclability of a product is to make it from a single recyclable material. This has been demonstrated beautifully in the Frietag Mono Backpack
The Mono material bag (aka made from one material) is made from a compostable fabric, making it fully repairable and recyclable.
“We want your Mono[PA6] Backpack to be part of your life for as long as possible.
That’s why we designed it to be easily repaired. And when it finally reaches the end of its life?
At that point, we take it back to FREITAG and recycle it as a whole.
Because only when a product actually returns to the cycle can you call it genuinely circular.
Our repair and take-back services help to make it easier for you to be part of the cycle.”
So next time you’re looking to purchase something new, why not see if there’s a product out there that has been designed with the end in mind. And, if you’re someone who’s looking to create a new product to put out into the world, why not consider thinking a little differently about how that may be achieved.
Journal post by Katrine Oben
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