We encounter ‘paper’ materials everywhere, like paper stacked near printers, diaries, document envelopes, and daily delivery boxes. In this issue, we think about new uses of paper. What should the ‘paper’ of an eco-friendly era look like, especially in an ever-changing climate? We introduce novel examples of innovations on paper for sustainable design, avoiding reckless plastic use. Check out the transformation of paper into something more than you can imagine in the February hïda newsletter.

Richlight a versatile, eco-friendly material made from paper

Have you heard of ‘Richlite,’ a hard, eco-friendly material made of paper? Richlight is an unbelievably durable, hard, and heat-retaining material. Also, it is resistant to moisture thanks to a waterproof function. This material is made solid by dipping recycled paper in a thermosetting resin, stacking it up in several layers, and then going through the process of pressing and cooling. The texture and grain of recycled paper provide a unique touch. Richlite is used in various fields, including architecture and art, but is commonly used in interior wall panels, worktops, skate ramps, and musical instruments. We look forward to more diverse transformations of Richlite.

EBBA Architects, recycled paper stools

EBBA Architects, a London-based architectural design studio, has come up with recycled paper stools. It can be used alone or put together with another seat for a stylish coffee table. The stool, which consists of one seat and three legs, is made of the ‘Richlite’ material mentioned above. According to the studio’s co-founder Benni Allan, the furniture industry has not received the material so far. However, he got a customized panel to design what he wanted and proved it suitable for furniture. EBBA is currently thinking about new prototypes made from recycled paper to expand its product range.

The water purifier made of paper? Coway’s eco-friendly innovation

Pay attention to the utterly unexpected encounter between paper and water purifiers.
Coway’s ‘eco-friendly paper water purifier’ won the Innovation Award in the home appliance category at ‘CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2023', the world’s most significant IT and home appliance exhibition. This water purifier was recognized for its innovation in that the exterior of the product was made of eco-friendly paper rather than plastic. The product has been structured to enable upcycling of both packaging and subsidiary materials, improving eco-friendliness. Moreover, it is economical as it does not use electricity, given its non-powered direct watering method. Also, it can be easily installed in narrow spaces, such as single-person households and studios, thanks to its ultra-small size.

‘Papertronics,’ an electronic device in a piece of paper

Most small electronic devices contain a circuit board with fiberglass, resin, and metal wiring. This board is relatively bulky, so it is not appropriate for medical or personal wearable devices and is not easy to recycle. However, the paper circuit board developed by Professor Seok-hyun Choi’s research team at the State University of New York overcomes the physical limitations of electronic devices by integrating all electrical components into a sheet of paper, being very flexible and thin. Also, it solves the difficulty of recycling e-waste as it burns completely.

‘PAPER RAZOR,’ an eco-friendly paper razor

Razors that always get wet. Can we make them out of paper? Japanese company KAI won the 2022 iF Gold Award with a revolutionary idea that reduced plastic usage by 98% compared to conventional razors with the paper razor (PAPER RAZOR), which uses paper for its body and metal only for the blade. KAI explained that it came up with the design from a disposable paper spoon and made it by referring to the waterproof features of milk cartons. The company considered being able to use it in hot water (40ºC) due to the nature of the razor; being easy to carry with its weight only at 4g as it is made of paper; and adding the fun of choosing from 5 colors (blue, red, green, yellow, and beige).

Sustainable luxury, hïda’s paper leather CMF

Finally, we introduce hïda’s paper leather CMF. It is eco-friendly, using paper instead of polyurethane for artificial leather and plant materials, such as cotton, for the lining. It is safe from external contamination with waterproof and antifouling functions. You can add a variety of vivid colors. Enjoy the product design you have imagined using paper leather with elegant and luxurious sensibilities in various fields, such as automobile interiors and cosmetics.

About hïda

Intops’ CMF-specific brand, hïda, constantly studies materials and methods for product design and helps clients start manufacturing differentiated designs.
In the online/offline CMF library under operation, you can check out CMF samples made with hïda’s technology. 

Please feel free to ask hïda what you have always been curious about or how you think about the newsletter. Suggestions on topics that might be useful are also welcome.

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