When you think of New Orleans, you think of Mardi Gras....and beads. Some of those cheap gaudy beads don't go to the landfill. They get melted down and made into the most colourful and pretty lampshades, chandeliers and wall sconces. They "have the colour and glow of stained glass with the durability of plastic!" These are designed by Unique Products - a team of recycling artists, Mark Kirk and Heather MacFarlane located in where else? New Orleans. They also make unusual and attractive nightlights for children in their Etsy store. All their lighting products are UL issue with a range of bulb wattage.
They do undertake commissions for their broad range of unusual homewares, not just lighting.
Melted Bead Lampshapes
Recycled Mardi Lights by Unique Products
Trend Themes
1. Recycling Art - Opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs to create new home decor and lighting products from recycled materials, providing a unique and sustainable design option for consumers.
2. Upcycled Lighting - A growing trend in the homeware industry, as customers look for environmentally friendly and creative ways to decorate their homes using repurposed materials.
3. Durability of Plastic - As sustainability becomes a key concern for consumers, plastic durability and the ability to repurpose waste materials into new products may present disruptive opportunities for businesses in a variety of industries.
Industry Implications
1. Home Decor - The home décor industry can embrace sustainability and creativity by incorporating recycled and upcycled materials into their products, from furniture to accent pieces.
2. Lighting - A focus on environmentally friendly lighting design is driving consumers to seek out unique and sustainable options for their homes or businesses.
3. Waste Management - Waste management companies can look for opportunities to partner with recycling artists and entrepreneurs to turn waste materials into new products, creating value and reducing environmental impact.