Tag Archives: Sustainable Designs

Can QR Code-driven Incentives Solve Fashion’s Trillion-Dollar Waste Problem? This Company Thinks So…

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Fashion still remains perhaps the biggest offender when it comes to waste and emissions generated by any given industry. Every year, 40 million tonnes of clothes find their way into landfills and third-world countries that are less than equipped to deal with this onslaught of wasted fabric. The solutions haven’t really matched up to the scale of problems either – thrifting still hasn’t made the impact that it promised to make, and brands are doing what they always do – using greenwashing to make their products look less wasteful than they already are. However, one company seems to be sitting on a potentially game-changing idea – incentivize users to slow down fashion by using a Technology platform leveraging unique QR Codes. SIXR is that app-based fashion technology platform that’s partnering with garment companies to provide meaningful incentives to end users to use their clothes for longer and to recycle them right and doing all this by using unique QR codes that will track the entire lifecycle of the garment from design and production to end of life or start of a new life.

Designer: SIXR Team

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

Consumers buy the clothes through the SIXR app, wear them for their estimated life, and when their life cycle reaches its end, they scan the QR code that helps them return the garment to SIXR. Once the garment is returned to one of SIXR’s recycling partners, consumers get actual monetary rewards in the form of discounts on their next purchase. Using financial incentives instead of the ‘feel good’ factor of buying sustainable clothing, SIXR hopes to create a fashion recycling movement and a circular economy that sticks. SIXR and their recycling partners will ensure that the garments are put through a rigorous paradigm of Reduce, Reuse, Recyle, Refuse, Rethink and Repair which are the 6R’s from where the company got their name SIXR.

“We’re stuck in a linear apparel economy. Take->Make->Waste,” says Gagan Singh, CEO and Co-founder of SIXR going into details on how SIXR will solve the Trillion-Dollar fashion crisis. The problem with the linear flow of garments is that there’s a defined entry and exit, causing new raw materials to end up in landfills instead of being recycled. SIXR proposes a circular economy where material keeps traveling within the same loop multiple times instead of becoming waste. This reduces the waste problem, but it also reduces the creation problem that requires fresh resources and materials every single time.

The problem has a simple solution according to SIXR. Luigi Ferrara, Chair, Brookfield Sustainability Institute, George Brown College says “There’s truly no incentive for recycling clothes, which is why most people don’t do it. Moreover, even for the people who want to, there’s no fixed system for doing so. There’s no ‘waste bin’ for recycling fashion, and sure, some of us could go to the Salvation Army, but then again, there’s a lack of a financial incentive to just give away your clothes. SIXR’s business model has an effective fix for all those issues.”

Receive up to 12% of the garment’s cost as incentives, because good choices should be rewarded.

“Financial incentives work,” Gagan says, pointing out how the alcohol and soft drinks bottle industry sees a whopping 96% return rate. Copper, tin, and cast iron all see returns too, because of the financial incentive attached to them. SIXR brings that same incentive to clothes too, by allowing people to scan QR codes on their clothes to help activate a return process. Once the clothes are returned, people are given a financial reward in the form of discounts on their next purchase. This incentive drives the spirit of returning clothes after years of wearing them instead of simply discarding them or turning them into washcloths and rags.

Secure Pocket

Vijay Thomas, early investor and Chair of the board of SIXR says” The ‘QR Code’ driven incentive model oversimplifies the genius of SIXR’s solution. SIXR will curate sustainable brands and sustainable product lines from mainstream brands and will work with them right from the design stage to help with making the garments as sustainable as possible with principles like multi use of garments, sustainable materials, ethical labor practices, transparent supply chain, reduce returns through digital try on and timeless fashion. This helps SIXR with not just getting the sustainable brands and products on their platform but since all the information will be encapsulated inside the QR code on each garment, it will help with sorting the apparel based on the fabric type, color and accessories, which is arguably the biggest problem with recycling garments. The QR codes help SIXR create a more organized inventory of returned clothes, which can then either be fixed and resold, or recycled much more efficiently into yarn for the next set of garments, helping plug both the creation and the waste segments of the linear economy, turning it into a circular one.”

The uniqueness of the SIXR solution lies in the fact that it’s managed to build out an entire fashion ecosystem around the problem. Thrifting is easy but it doesn’t take care of torn or old garments. Recycling is hard because consumers don’t know how to. Moreover, neither has the solid financial incentive that SIXR is promising. The company’s launching its app alongside its first garment, the SIXR ‘For Tomorrow’ hoodie. Buying the hoodie will set you on SIXR’s recycling journey as its platform expands to include other brands and garment styles in the future.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69. Hurry, only 217/250 SIXR Hoodies left!

The post Can QR Code-driven Incentives Solve Fashion’s Trillion-Dollar Waste Problem? This Company Thinks So… first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tree with Solar Panels and Wind Turbines gives Nature-Inspired Clean Energy

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In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, New World Wind has unveiled its revolutionary Aeroleaf Hybrid technology—a micro-wind turbine shaped like a tree, combining the forces of wind and solar energy to provide a clean and unlimited power source. This innovative approach not only meets the growing demand for electricity but also addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional energy production methods.

Designer: New World Wind

The conventional methods of electricity production, often reliant on burning fossil fuels, contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. New World Wind’s Aeroleaf Hybrid offers a compelling alternative by seamlessly integrating wind and solar power. The tree-shaped turbines are equipped with rotating leaves that capture wind energy, complemented by solar panels at the base, ensuring a continuous and efficient energy production process.

New World Wind draws inspiration from the beauty of nature, ensuring that the Aeroleaf Hybrid blends harmoniously with both urban and green landscapes. Unlike conventional wind turbines and solar panels, these tree-shaped energy generators appear as if they naturally grew in their surroundings. This unique design feature allows for a more aesthetically pleasing integration into various environments.

New World Wind’s commitment to green energy is evident in its global installations. The first Aeroleaf Hybrid, welcomed in Birmingham, UK, stands tall on a hill, showcasing its ability to harness wind and solar power in unison. The collaboration with Tom Tits Experiment, a science museum in Sweden, further emphasizes the technology’s versatility and its potential to power significant institutions with clean electricity.

A variant of the Aeroleaf Hybrid without Solar Panels

Recognizing the diverse energy needs of consumers, New World Wind offers three variations of the Aeroleaf Hybrid—Wind Tree, Wind Palm, and Wind Bush. The Wind Tree, with its numerous rotating leaves, is suitable for larger spaces and can even serve as a multifunctional lamp post or charging station for electric vehicles. The Wind Palm and Wind Bush cater to different scales, providing flexibility for installation in various settings, from public gardens to smaller neighborhoods.

New World Wind’s Aeroleaf (Hybrid) technology is based on a patented micro-wind turbine with a leaf-shaped double blade and a vertical axis. This synchronous micro-generator with permanent magnets allows for installation in diverse locations, including rooftops, terraces, pylons, and low-wind areas. The technology, with a single Aeroleaf generating a minimum of 300 watts, has already been deployed in 130 locations worldwide, spanning countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Portugal, Nigeria, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

Apart from its functional benefits, the Aeroleaf Hybrid also offers a customizable experience. Consumers can choose from various color options, allowing the turbines to seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. This level of personalization enhances the technology’s appeal and further encourages the adoption of green energy solutions.

By mimicking the elegance of nature, this technology not only provides a sustainable energy source but also exemplifies the potential for beauty and functionality to coexist in our pursuit of a greener tomorrow.

The post Tree with Solar Panels and Wind Turbines gives Nature-Inspired Clean Energy first appeared on Yanko Design.

Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bottle Dissolves After Use, Leaving Zero Waste

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In a world grappling with the environmental repercussions of excessive plastic use, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more pressing. Packaging waste, predominantly composed of plastic, poses a significant threat to our ecosystems. As we seek innovative solutions for a healthier planet, Philippine creative agency BBDO Guerrero has taken a bold step by sculpting vibrant shampoo bars into Dissolving Bottles, presenting an ingenious solution to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution.

Designer: BBDO Guerrero

The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just a practical alternative; they are a symbol of commitment to a sustainable and plastic-free future. The concept is simple yet revolutionary – as users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it gradually diminishes in size until it disappears, leaving no trace behind. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional toiletry containers, offering a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.

Introduced in 2021, the Dissolving Bottle has recently expanded its reach to several countries in Europe through a partnership with LUORO GmbH, a Cologne-based e-commerce company. The bottle-shaped shampoo bars, distributed under LUORO’s Plain B brand, are not just a visual marvel but also carry a powerful message. By adopting the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, BBDO Guerrero aims to make the transition from plastic bottles to shampoo bars seamless for users.

David Guerrero, Creative Chairman at BBDO Guerrero, emphasizes that the Dissolving Bottle was conceptualized as a response to the escalating plastic pollution crisis. The personal care industry, a major contributor to environmental issues, produces over 500 billion single-use plastic items annually. To address this problem, BBDO Guerrero chose a design that not only promotes sustainability but also incorporates witty slogans on the shampoo bars, such as ‘Recedes quicker than your hair,’ ‘vanishes into thin air,’ ‘leaves nothing behind,’ and ‘guaranteed not to last,’ serving as comical reminders of the benefits of choosing plastic-free alternatives.

While the environmental impact of Dissolving Bottle Shampoo Bars is undeniably positive, questions arise regarding their commercial viability. The entire bottle serving as solidified shampoo requires careful handling, as exposure to water could initiate premature dissolution. To address this logistical concern, there might be a need to explore alternative packaging materials which will be interesting to learn.

Moreover, the shift from traditional soaps to liquid body washes, driven by ease of use and convenience, poses a challenge for the widespread adoption of solid shampoo bars. The need to incorporate essential information typically printed on packaging into the Dissolving Bottle’s design further adds a layer of complexity.

Marketing strategies play a pivotal role in bridging this gap, and the strategies employed by BBDO Guerrero are commendable and hold the potential to capture consumer attention. Offering an intriguing narrative that aligns with environmental consciousness.

As these Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars make their way into the European market, priced at a reasonable starting point of 5.99 EUR, it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace this innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. The success of such eco-friendly initiatives depends not only on their environmental benefits but also on their ability to cater to the evolving preferences and habits of consumers. The Dissolving Bottle represents a commendable step towards a more sustainable future, and its journey in the consumer market will undoubtedly be closely watched.

The post Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bottle Dissolves After Use, Leaving Zero Waste first appeared on Yanko Design.