Department of Furniture Design

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Recyclable Composites

Recyclable Composites showcases innovative applications of advanced composites in new contexts. Existing composites rely heavily on irreversible resins, which cannot be recycled. TWINTEX, a flexible glass-fiber filament impregnated with polypropylene, is solidified by a reversible heat treatment. TWINTEX products can be recycled after their lifetime by separating polypropylene and glass-fiber through heat. Therefore, they present an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional composites.

Through a rigorous developmental research process students explored the material TWINTEX beyond its conventional use to create dynamic furniture and lighting fixtures. These explorations, while highlighting the potential of recyclable composites, are pushing the boundaries of both design and customary manufacturing techniques. Recyclable Composites manifests the Furniture Design Department’s commitment to research, innovation and sustainability as key pedagogical areas of focus.