If you've ever wondered if there was a use for old gum, you've finally found the answer. The Gumnetic Chewy Pad is a concept from designer Anna Bullus aimed at cleaning up chewing gum found on streets. She creates pillows that are a combination of recycled chewing gum and bio resin, which can create a cushion similar to memory foam.
Implications - The reuse of even the oddest materials is a growing fad in the design industry today, and is often referred to as upcycling. This serves the environmental concerns of the consumer, allowing for the utmost in easy, convenient participation in the eco movement for both consumer and company.
Recycled Gum Pillow
Gumnetic Chewy Pad
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Materials - The trend of upcycling odd materials like recycled chewing gum presents opportunities for designers to create innovative and sustainable products.
2. Eco-friendly Design - The growing fad of eco-friendly design encourages designers to find creative ways to address environmental concerns, such as repurposing waste materials like chewing gum.
3. Sustainable Innovation - Designers can explore sustainable innovation by incorporating recycled materials like chewing gum into their products, contributing to a circular economy.
Industry Implications
1. Product Design - The upcycling trend provides opportunities for product designers to create unique and environmentally friendly products like the Gumnetic Chewy Pad.
2. Sustainability - The sustainable design industry can leverage the use of recycled materials, such as chewing gum, to develop innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
3. Waste Management - The upcycling of materials like chewing gum can disrupt the waste management industry by offering alternative solutions for dealing with waste products.