Let’s face what we’ve known for a long time: plastic products, like food and drink packaging and plastic bags, typically have a very short lifespan before inevitably ending up in the closest landfill. Studio Karyn Lim, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Singapore, set out to give them another chance. So Plast!c small tables and vessels gather the potential that plastic waste holds to create permanent pieces as an alternative, which can then be recycled again and again.

So Plast!c is currently on display at SaloneSatellite at Salone del Mobile 2023. The event, founded by Marva Griffin in 1998, is dedicated to designers under 35, with the aim of creating relationships between businesses and young designers as they prepare to enter the industry.

The overall design of the So Plast!c small tables follows the principles of geometry, asymmetry, and positive and negative elements of design, though the use of horizontal and vertical lines. Each table is made using HDPE (high-density polyethylene) from bottle caps and PP (polypropylene) from food and drink packaging. (Each one uses approximately 6kg of plastic waste, or 1200 bottle caps!) These recyclable plastics are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed into a raw material used to produce eco-polymer sheets for new products.

Plastic bags have been banned in 99 countries, while others implement a per bag charge. There are also restrictions on state and city levels. Lim said, “It made me wonder why education about the urgency of reducing waste could not change user behavior, but adding a perceivable value on the product could.” So Plast!c sculptural vessels are handwoven using plastic bags in an effort to change the perception of these disposable items by making them more precious.

Used plastic bags are collected, cleaned, and converted into balls of ‘plarn’ – plastic yarn – which are crocheted in geometrical patterns to form the vessels. The finished form looks almost fragile in its skeletal-like shape, each unique from the others. Some carry color from commercial branding, while others are multicolor from the use of bags from more than one store.

Lim poses the question: “Should these vessels be considered disposable since they were made from disposable bags? Or are they precious since they have been manually made by a human into a sculpture – a supposed object of value?”

Karyn Lim Photo: Sayher Heffernan

So Plast!c will be on display at SaloneSatellite, April 18-23, 2023 9:30am-6:30pm at the Milan Fairgrounds, Rho. Entrance gates are Porta Est, Porta Sud, and Porta Ovest. To learn more about So Plast!c, visit karynlim.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

Design impresario Benjamin Hubert’s design agency LAYER’s portfolio is immeasurably diverse, spanning the gamut from futuristic meditative wearbles, 3D-printed mobility solutions for the disabled, right down to the ground with contemporary wares for felines. The agency’s latest efforts impart hydrogen fuel start-up Croft with an engaging brand identity expressed by swaths of cool color, modern typography, and robust industrial design all emblematic of a hydrogen-fueled future for everyone.

Founded in 2022 by Roderick Blevins and Isaac Holeman, who met while undertaking Ph.D. studies at the University of Cambridge, Croft’s efforts revolve around a hydrogen-based system, a clean fuel only emitting the harmless byproduct, H₂O. The swappable battery solution is robustly successful abroad with urban electric scooter riders, and also available in a hydrogen capacity for light urban mobility vehicles. Croft’s solution aims to bring that same sort of swappable eco-friendly efficiency to much larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs.

Each element such as the solid-state, low-pressure storage Nanocartridges displays a build intended to communicate durability, as Croft’s mission is to compel users to “service rather than replace.”

The Croft Nanoplant system comprises Nanocartridges, a fuel source engineered to power retrofitted vehicles using hydrogen rather than petroleum or electricity. The Nanoplant includes not just the reusable modular hydrogen Nanocartridges (with a semblance of enormous AA batteries encased in a protective open-sided enclosure), but also a nodular Nanoplant recharging station paired with a hose module for on-board charging.

Each “Nanocartridge” has a capacity to hold 0.66kg H2 and weighs 14-16kg. The sturdy form and stable footprint makes for easy stacking and handling, and each cartridge boasts four side handles that allow for multiple grip points.

While EVs will surely dominate the future of personal transportation in the coming years, hydrogen-fueled technologies propose an alternative for a cleaner and efficient source, delivering impressive range with every “fill up.” For example, the 2023 Toyota Mirai in its XLE trim is rated for 402 miles of range. Rather than requiring drivers to purchase a new hydrogen powered car, Croft’s fuel source system can be retrofitted onto existing vehicles already on the road.

“Electric vehicles are increasingly commonplace, but have downfalls – particularly when it comes to traveling long distances on a single charge,” says Benjamin Hubert, LAYER found. “The Croft system offers a solution to these challenges with a consumer-ready product that enables users to embark on epic journeys with a clear conscience.”

A circular indicator on the top surface displays remaining hydrogen capacity, with a dial graphic that allows users to take important information in at a glance.

The colors, materials, and finishes are all designed by LAYER to appeal to “toolmakers for the future of fuel.”

LAYER’s efforts display a holistic approach, including a branding identity and system revolving around an abstracted ‘H’ that is an emblematic symbol for the future of hydrogen, filtering down even to Croft’s stationery and packaging.

Croft is yet to officially launch and is currently in their prototyping phase. But those interested to follow the brand’s journey from ideation to hopefully another option toward a cleaner future can sign-up at croft.eco for updates.

Gregory Han is Tech Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Following Mangas Original, designed over 10 years ago by Patricia Urquiola for GAN, and Mangas Space comes Mangas Outdoor. The Original collection pushed indoor rug design toward new textures and organic shapes that had yet to be seen. Success was found, leading to the creation of Mangas Space, a modular, abstract concept with the same warmth as the original. Now, the collection heads outdoors.

Both Mangas Original and Mangas Space include contemporary, minimal poufs and other pieces for creating a fully furnished space. At the time, it was a truly groundbreaking concept. Mangas Outdoor has just been introduced at Salone del Mobile 2023, with a focus on craftsmanship, the circular economy, and comfort. Drawing inspiration from hand-knitted wool jumpers, the collection uses new materials that allow the rugs, poufs, and other adaptable pieces to be carried outdoors.

“Outdoor designs such as Mangas Outdoor are an extension of our living spaces, whether it’s for work, relaxation, or entertainment, and can help to offer a whole and cohesive experience that enhances our quality of life,” explains Urquiola. “We wanted to create spaces that seamlessly blend together with nature, and where functionality meets aesthetics. The challenge was to achieve this through using materials adapted to the outdoors. GAN did an extraordinary job and managed to create a piece with the same volume and comfort as the indoor version.”

While the first two Mangas collections relied on pure wool for warmth, Mangas Outdoor retained the same touch using an outdoor version of a kilim. Braided fibers of 100% recycled PET were recovered and processed in India, where the entire collection is handmade, showcasing the potential of the handloom method.

“We used warm and earthy colors such as terracotta, stone gray, white, and other hues that echo the natural landscape. We also incorporated pops of color like periwinkle to add visual interest,” Urquiola said. Crafted without backing or glues, Mangas Outdoor rugs have an excellent feel, much like traditional wool rugs.”

The collection features several rugs, three dual colored in a blue, brown, and beige color palette paired with mottled grey. Two others showcase stripes in a mix of the aforementioned colors in various thicknesses and weaves. Mangas Outdoor also includes five poufs and three modular pieces that can work on their own or be mixed and matched for more personalization. Create a lounger, sectional, or a daybed, all with generous backrests that are easy to maintain, withstand humidity and UV rays, and feature removable covers.

To learn more about Mangas Outdoor, visit gan-rugs.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.