Nebraska’s Iris Industries is attempting to give new life to discarded jeans with Denimite. Denimite is a composite material made of shredded blue jeans and a partial bio-based thermoset resin binder. Once the materials have been subjected to pressure and heat they form to create Denimitie, a material that is both strong and flexible.
Iris Industries has shaped its composite denim into a number of lightweight and durable items, including coasters, a simple wallet and jewelry. However, the team says there are many more uses for the material and envisions it being used to create furniture and even countertops (among other things). Iris Industries has taken to Kickstarter to raise $20,000. A donation of $20 gets you your choice of a set of coasters, a wallet or a ring.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Upcycling
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize discarded materials to create new and valuable products.
- Composite Materials
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop stronger and more flexible materials by combining different elements.
- Sustainable Fashion
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative ways to reduce waste and create eco-friendly fashion products.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion/apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate upcycled materials into clothing and accessories to promote sustainability.
- Interior Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use composite materials like Denimite to design unique and durable furniture and countertops.
- Retail/e-commerce
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce upcycled denim products through online platforms to reach wider consumer markets.
