Krill Design: Revolutionizing Furniture and Redefining Sustainability in a Circular Economy

Krill Design: Pioneering a Circular Economy, One Fruit Peel at a Time

Krill Design: Pioneering a Circular Economy

In a world where environmental concerns are paramount, the issue of waste management has become a pressing global challenge. The Circle Economy Foundation’s recent report reveals a disheartening statistic: a mere 7.2% of used materials are being effectively recycled, leaving the majority to languish in landfills. However, one Milan-based company, Krill Design, is determined to rewrite this narrative by introducing a revolutionary biomaterial called Rekrill.

Founded in 2018 by three visionary architects, Krill Design aims to transform the way we view and use everyday items, especially furniture. Their secret weapon? Rekrill, a patented plastic-like biomaterial crafted from organic sources such as fruit peel, orange seeds, and coffee ground waste. Marco Di Maio, the director of operations at Krill, emphasizes the material’s versatility, stating, “If all that furniture was made using our materials, we would be able to recover them, crush them, and print other furniture with the same material.”

The process behind Rekrill’s creation involves a meticulous four-step procedure. First, collected food waste undergoes drying and crushing to create a fine powder. This powder is then combined with a biodegradable plastic alternative known as polyhydroxybutyrat (PHB), with the fruit waste contributing to the PHB’s rigidity. The compound is transformed into a filament and subsequently used in a 3D printer, bringing Krill’s innovative designs to life.

The Ohmie lamp, one of Krill’s creations, takes approximately three hours to print, showcasing the efficiency of this groundbreaking process. The company’s dedication to sustainability is further highlighted by its collaborations with prominent brands like Sanpellegrino and Four Seasons, as well as its involvement in the Co.ffee Era project with the municipality of Milan.

Through these partnerships, Krill has designed various products, from wine coolers to trays, all in vibrant colors corresponding to the food waste they originated from. Di Maio emphasizes the environmental impact, noting that every kilogram of Rekrill used offsets one kilogram of carbon dioxide produced during traditional plastic manufacturing.

However, despite its eco-friendly attributes, Di Maio acknowledges the challenge of cost. Rekrill is more expensive than common plastic, but Krill’s gamble on sustainability has proven successful. Di Maio remains optimistic, anticipating a future where the damaging effects of unsustainable plastics will drive wider adoption of Rekrill.

Ohmie Lamp by Krill Design is the world’s first 3D printed lamp made of orange peels

Krill remains at the forefront of innovation, experimenting with additional food waste sources such as eggshells, tomatoes, and grape leftovers from winemaking. The company also envisions selling Rekrill filament for individuals and businesses to create their own 3D-printed products. Additionally, they are exploring injection molding as a cost-effective alternative to 3D printing.

As Krill continues its journey toward a more sustainable future, Di Maio concludes, “We really believe this is the material of the future. Little by little, a step at a time.” With every step, Krill Design is propelling us closer to a world where nothing ends up in landfills, where waste becomes a relic of the past, and where innovation paves the way for a truly circular economy.

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