designed at Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle under the supervision of prof. Mareike Gast and Andreas Wagner
Wasteholders is an open-source platform for waste valorization and creative use. It provides material recipes and design solutions for local waste streams, equipping DIY enthusiasts and small entrepreneurs with knowledge about sustainable alternatives.
The word „waste” often carries negative connotations, implying something useless and discarded by the system. Wasteholders challenges this perception by focusing on overlooked materials and closing the loop in our economy. Operating at the intersection of waste management and design, the platform not only transforms waste into valuable resources but also promotes alternatives to toxic materials commonly used by designers.
The project uses white asparagus peels (available locally in abundance) as a case study, showcasing effective processing techniques and their design applications. Through drying, shredding, binding, pulping and other treatments, the experimentation process explored material properties and potentials of this fibrous leftover.
Investigating a single waste stream resulted in producing four distinct materials, which were later applied in various designs.
Objects crafted from this biomaterial including lighting, interior decor, and jewelry, demonstrate that a different, more sustainable path is not only possible but already within reach.
