Cubitts, UK
Cubitts, UK
London – The spectacles company is experimenting with sustainable materials, using human hair, potatoes and yoghurt pots for a new collection of frames.
The Redux concept range by Cubitts comprises 10 one-off styles made with different waste materials. Although the brand typically makes its frames from cellulose acetate – a semi-synthetic plastic derived from tree pulp and cotton – it notes that its manufacturing process still has an impact on the environment.
According to the brand, the upcycled materials – which include corn husks, human hair donated by Cubitts staff and their friends and turned into a bio-resin, and old CDs – offers the same versatility as cellulose acetate. In addition, each material results in a distinctive colour scheme and texture. Although the designs are prototypes, the brand hopes these alternative materials can be developed to produce its commercial frames.
As explored in our Material Far Futures report, innovators such as Cubitts are using design to transform environmental excess into valuable new resources for the manufacturing industry.
