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Spared turns your waste into wonder

Updated: Jul 5, 2023


5 abstract speckled achromatic vases on dark blue benchtop
Achromatic Vases - Made from finely ground down black post consumer plastic waste (Image Credit: Spared®)


_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.



plastic waste bespoke plinth desk with marbled pink and purple colouring
Bespoke Plinth - Plastic waste (Image Credit: Spared®)

plastic waste material sample with marbled pink and purple colouring
Bespoke Plinth - Plastic waste (Image Credit: Spared®)


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.




closeup of recycled plastic waste material with speckled appearance
Display Plinth for Virgin Voyages - Plastic waste from a coastal clean-up (Image Credit: Spared®)


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.



Various materials made from plastic waste showcasing unique custom patterns and textures
Materials made from waste carry unique aesthetics and textures (Image Credit: Spared®)


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.



retail plint made from waste sea shells; marbled effect in soft pink and coral colors
Bespoke Plinth - Waste shells from the fishing industry (Image Credit: Spared®)

close up of material made from waste sea shells with stacked and marbled effect in soft pink and coral colors
Bespoke Plinth - Food industry shell (Image Credit: Spared®)

Close-up of waste material made of DVD cases - A vibrant emerald green with a river of white through the center
Waste based bar top - DVD cases (Image Credit: Spared®)


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.



sea shell waste
The shell waste for Molelk is sourced from the UK fishing industry and local restaurants (Image Credit: Spared®)

Hand holding 3 circular material samples made of seafood/shell waste. The speckled texture is reminiscent of terrazzo.
Molelk - A composite material that is made of seafood/shell waste (Image Credit: Spared®)

black shredded plastic waste used for materials
Plastic waste for Plarix comes from UK companies who clean and chip the waste to get it to a suitable size to be used as aggregate or for filament for 3D printing (Image Credit: Spared®)


Variety of square sample swatches made from waste plastic waste. Colourful terrazo textures.
Plarix - A composite material that is made of plastic waste such as such as bottle tops, CD cases, coat hangers and plant pots (Image Credit: Spared®)



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.



Two lights made of plastic waste with black, blue and white terrazo texture
XOU Light - a composite made from waste plastic coat hangers, solvent-free gypsum and 3D-printed plastic made from sugar cane (Image Credit: Spared®)

three green and white speckled terrazo sculptural vessels made of fishing nets and pul
Stacked - Sculptural Vessels - Fishing net and pulp (Image Credit: Spared®)


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!



Five abstract speckled vases made of plastic waste
Vases - Plastic waste (Image Credit: Spared®)



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.





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