LSN : Signals & Stats : Kibu builds circular economy headphones for children

Kibu headphones by Batch.Works and Morrama, UK

UK — Award-winning industrial design consultancy Morrama has partnered with Batch.Works, a circular manufacturing company, to create Kibu circular and repairable headphones for children.

Kibu headphones are made using recycled PLA from agricultural packaging waste and printed on demand by Batch.Works in Hackney, London. Every component of the headphones is recyclable and replaceable and all parts are available in a range of colours so they are easy for children to customise. In the event of damage or when a child grows out of their pair, the plastic parts of the old headphones can be returned to Batch.Works where they will be recycled and used to create new ones.

Morrama and Batch.Works headphones are part of a growing trend towards repairability as the future of design. Brands and businesses are building repairable consumer electronics to meet consumers’ increasing demand for sustainable products. ‘By starting with kids’ products,’ says Jo Barnard, founder and creative director of Morrama, ‘we hope to set the next generation on a path to better understanding and appreciating the objects they use and interact with, and to do so in a playful and engaging way.’

Strategic opportunity

When designing products for children consider Edu-play-tion. Allow products that are fun to also serve as tools for education. They can be powerful instruments to engage children in big topics such as environmental responsibility