London-based designer Charlotte Kidger have created multi-coloured pieces of furniture - Industrial Craft using industrial material waste as secondary raw material.
Industrial Craft is a material based project focused around utilising plastic waste streams associated with computer numerical control (CNC) fabrication. The CNC milling process produces a large volume of excess lightweight polyurethane foam dust. As it is an unusual plastic, it isn't recycled, so its only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill.
As a by-product after the milling process the lightweight polyurethane foam dust is left in abundant volumes. Given that this material is still regarded as a niche plastic, it’s only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill. So Kidger had found ways of repurposing this undervalued and problematic material.
Through material exploration, Kidger has resulted in a durable and versatile composite material that has the capabilities to be cast in diverse 3D forms of various scales. The composite material provides an extremely durable material that prolongs the life and places value in what was previously so easily discarded.
Through a series of pots/vessels and two large sculptural tables the materials properties are highlighted as well as creating an alluring curiosity behind the materials origin. Through an applied and pragmatic approach, hands-on making allowed me to gain an immediate understanding of the material. Kidger was able to push the boundaries of the material to therefore create an outcome that could be treated the same way as wood. With the ability (once cast) to be cut, sanded, engraved and put back into CNC, the finish possibilities are endless.
"With a zero-waste process in the making of ‘sculptural objects’ and with strong focus on the durability, I aim to have created an alluring yet functional use to the material. Industrial craft is as much about exploiting the possibility of material answers as it is about asking questions." Kidger said.
The collection will be exhibited at London Design Festival, which takes place from 18 to 23 September 2018. It will also be showcased in London Design Fair 2018 from 20 to 23 September
Source: Charlotte Kidger
Photography: Louise Oates
