_MATERIALS
LOCATION: UK
Spared® is an exciting startup by Volume Creative, a design agency based in Brighton, UK.
It offers a creative service that works wonders by transforming waste into stunning interior design objects, furniture, art, and surfaces, spared from landfill.
This dynamic female-run agency of interior and product designers, was born out of years of research and development, as well as a drive to reduce and repurpose waste from the design industry.
Their mission is to support brands in reusing their own waste within their own environments, breathing new life into discarded materials and creating captivating objects such as bespoke retail plinths, reception desks, sculptures, fixed furniture and more.
Reimagining waste as a valuable resource
The team at Spared is challenging the culture of throw-away design. With 2.12 billion tons of waste ending up in landfill every year, it should come as no surprise that we as a society, all around the world, have a waste problem. But for Spared, reimagining waste is a creative opportunity. Their approach is to transform waste from a problem into a valuable resource, changing the way we perceive and utilise materials. By leveraging their imagination through innovative techniques and technologies they unveil the beauty and value hidden within waste, creating stunning designs and functional objects.
Embracing a Circular Economy
At the heart of Spared's vision lies the concept of a circular economy, where waste is minimised, and resources are utilised efficiently. By reimagining waste as a valuable resource, Spared breaks free from the linear "take-make-dispose" model. Instead, they adopt a circular approach that promotes waste reduction, repurposing, and upcycling, creating a sustainable and regenerative system.
One of the standout features of Spared´s materials is their unique aesthetics and textures that cannot be replicated through conventional means. They bring a touch of authenticity and individuality to products and designs, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
Utilising materials made from waste not only adds an element of uniqueness but also presents significant environmental benefits. By diverting waste from landfills or incineration, these materials contribute to waste reduction. They minimise the extraction of virgin resources and reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing processes, making a positive impact on our planet.
Never let waste go to waste again
Spared works with all types of waste from food and electrical waste to paper and construction waste. So far, they've successfully worked with a diverse range of materials including all types of plastic, shells, food waste (coffee & eggshells), masonry & stones, paper, cork, wood/sawdust, fishing nets and electrical wires.
They encourage their clients to use their own production waste and by-products from manufacturing. However, if you don't have any waste materials readily available, Spared can tap into their own waste streams or even facilitate a beach or local area clean-up for you. In addition, Spared provides a comprehensive R&D service, so if you happen to have a by-product that isn't listed they can explore and find innovative ways to transform your waste into stunning creations.
If you are just looking for some stunning and contemporary new materials, Spared has got this covered too with their waste terrazzo range. They offer three core terrazzo materials created using recycled plastics and shell, called Plarix and Molelk.
Sustainable storytelling
By collaborating with Spared, companies have the unique opportunity to create beautifully designed products using their own waste. This innovative approach allows for the creation of meaningful designs that not only reduces waste but tells a story about your brand's commitment to sustainable practices and initiatives. What is more, creating awareness and solutions to environmental issues should be engaging, visible, and understandable to consumers. Showcasing something tangible is a great way to achieve this.
Spared embraces waste as an untapped source of creativity, challenging traditional notions and exploring its limitless potential. By repurposing materials that would have otherwise been discarded, Spared is not only reducing waste but also showcasing the beauty and potential of using waste as a valuable resource. There is enough waste to work with, without creating any more!
To learn more about Spared, visit www.spared.eco
Sustainability Advantages
Waste Reduction Using waste as a material for design reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incineration.
Resource Conservation Utilising waste as a material reduces the demand for virgin resources. By repurposing or recycling waste materials, we can conserve valuable natural resources like minerals, water, and energy, which would otherwise be required to produce new materials.
Energy and Emissions Reduction Repurposing waste often requires less energy compared to processing and manufacturing new materials. It can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact associated with traditional production processes. Additionally, repurposing waste avoids the energy-intensive extraction and manufacturing processes typically required for new materials.
Design for Circularity Incorporating waste as a material aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are kept in a continuous loop of use, recycling, and repurposing. It supports the idea of closing the material loop and minimising waste generation.