Inspired by the old and the new, the Unbroken Vase collection, also called SpongePop, by Angie Lee features an unusual combination of design elements.
At the heart of each vessel lies a recycled glass bottle, a range of beer bottles and soya sauce bottles to create different widths and heights, which are coated in a polyurethane (PU) rubber. The coatings are molded to the shapes of traditional urns and vases, and thus preserve the classic silhouettes while becoming part of a modern upcycling project. The thickness of the rubber prevents the glass inside from breaking, essentially saving trash and turning it into thought-provoking design.
As the designer describes, the Unbroken Vase collection represents "the memory of our own [and] the culture of Taiwan."
Smash-Proof PU Vessels
Lee Angie's Unbroken Vase Collection Recyles Traditional Design
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Glass - The use of recycled glass bottles to create new designs presents an opportunity for businesses to tap into sustainable and eco-friendly markets.
2. Smash-proof Coatings - Developing new types of polyurethane (PU) coatings that prevent glass from breaking could disrupt industries that rely on fragile glass materials, such as packaging, construction, and transportation.
3. Combining Old and New Design Elements - Incorporating classic silhouettes with modern upcycling techniques provides an avenue for businesses to create unique and thought-provoking products that appeal to a wider audience.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Home Decor - Manufacturing and selling sustainable home decor products made from recycled materials, such as glass bottles, could open up opportunities for businesses to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Protective Coatings - Developing new types of polyurethane-based coatings that protect fragile materials beyond glass, such as ceramics and metals, offers potential for disruptive innovation in industries that rely on vulnerable materials.
3. Artisanal Design - Developing unique and thought-provoking products that combine traditional and modern design elements could disrupt the mass-produced products market and appeal to consumers seeking unconventional and personalized items.