Chiara Tommencioni Pisapia uses moths to transform unwanted clothing into "precious" bio-waste material
Central Saint Martins graduate Chiara Tommencioni Pisapia has proposed a method for improving the textile recycling process by using moths to break down the natural fibres in discarded clothing.
Pisapia, who says she is "interested in sustainability related to fashion, textile recycling, bio-design and the circular economy", wanted to find a more efficient way to deal with mixed-fibre textiles, which are currently complicated to recycle.
These textiles, containing a combination of manmade and natural fibres such as wool and polyester, typically end up in landfill or incinerators as it is difficult to separate the fibres for recycling.
"Textile recycling is currently done mainly using chemicals or mechanical methods," the designer told Dezeen. "As we are in a time where biology and design are interweaving, I thought it would be interesting to explore how nature is recycling and breaking down fibres and this brought me to look at clothes moths," she added.
Pisapia initially proposed using common clothes moths to remove animal fibres from clothes, leaving behind the synthetic fibres so these can be recycled separately.
The moths feed exclusively on natural materials such as wool, fur, silk, felt and leather, as these contain a fibrous protein called keratin that their larvae can digest.
"I just thought that if clothes moths eat the beloved woollen clothes in our closet, why shouldn't they eat those we don't use anymore that have keratin ins...
-------------------------------- |
Robotic ceiling furniture creates extra floor space in tiny homes |
|
Seven Hills SF: Feldman Architecture’s Airy Workspace Transformation
19-05-2024 08:40 - (
Architecture )
The Jewelry Box by Tzvia Kazayoff
19-05-2024 08:40 - (
Architecture )