Former Helsinki local Irene Purasachit explores the potential of turning unwanted flowers into environmentally responsible materials
Photography by Soracha Anghin
The search for reducing flower waste has led a new generation of designers to create circular products using discarded flower petals.
Case in point is Thai designer and former Helsinki local Irene Purasachit, who explores the potential of turning unwanted flowers into environmentally responsible materials.
Inspired by her love of flowers, the Aalto University graduate’s ongoing research project, entitled Flower Matter, diverts flower waste from landfills and offers beautiful alternatives.
Photography by Soracha Anghin
Working alongside FloweRescue, a Helsinki- based non-profit organisation that combats floral waste, the materials currently being developed under the Flower Matter umbrella include: Flower Paper, made from 100% pulp from various flower stems and leaves.
Flaux, a nonwoven textile that looks and feels like leather; and Bio-(Floral) Foam, a 100% fibre made from flower stem, which aims to simulate and act as an alternative to floral foam – a staple for creating intricate floral arrangements which often breaks down into microplastics that make their way into waters.
With 40% of flowers grown for cutting discarded at some stage of the supply chain, Purasachit has created a collection of innovative bio-based material solutions that make a radical leap towards a more sustainable future.
As brands continue to navigate the future of design and sustainability, material innovation is top of mind and becoming ever more crucial to cultivate a sustainable future.
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