SALONE DEL MOBILE 2023

What seemed like a very big promise to make for our young design label WasteCraft during Salone del Mobile 2023: “to open the eyes of designers”, we really fulfilled. And not just the eyes of designers, it turned out.

With our own collection, during talks and interviews, we argued for the importance of waste as a recognizable visual design element in products. And that appears to be a new and refreshing approach at the largest and most prestigious furniture fair in the world.

First day at Salone del Mobile – Queen Maxima visiting our exposition.

A ROYAL VISIT

Early Tuesday morning, the opening day of Salone del Mobile 2023, our Queen Maxima visited our booth where we discussed the importance of keeping waste visible in products. The Queen recognized our WasteBoards, which are now also available in Moma stores in New York, and was very impressed by our new side table collection and the enchanting look of the new WasteCraft Light Screens. All three products are made from still recognizable recycled plastic soda caps.

Salone del Mobile – Our stand at the Circolare exhibition.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Around noon we took part in a round table discussion with fellow exhibitors, our Queen Maxima and design legend Marcel Wanders of the well-known Moooi design label. During this conversation we expressed our opinion that it is very important to keep waste recognizable in design products (made from recycled materials). Now hardly anyone sees that products are made from recycled material. However, seeing is believing. And believing leads to behavior change. This way we can contribute to creating a more sustainable world. Our table companions recognized and endorsed this new view on the contribution we can make as designers.

Salone del Mobile – Impression of the different parts of the exhibition.

MISSON ACCOMPLISHED
At the end of the day we participated in the podcast ‘Dutch Circular Design talks’ where we made the statement that ‘designers have been kidnapped by the people with the datasheets’. Due to the focus on sustainable use of materials, the contribution that the visual side of design can make to people’s behavior has been snowed under. Our view was received with great applause by the audience and afterwards we also received the feedback: “you really opened our eyes”.
WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE CAN CRAFT FROM YOUR WASTE?

Sven Noordhoek
E. sven@wastecraft.nl
M.+31 (0)6 15 86 53 97