A cradle to cradle certified adjustable desk lamp concept
The Problem
Many current adjustable desk lamps are assembled from numerous parts, including moving ones. These same lamps are often delivered pre-assembled, rather than flat packed. This creates unnecessary harm on the environment throughout production and transportation.
It was therefore, the goal of this project to create a flat packable adjustable desk lamp that is made from a reduced number of parts, specifically of the moving variety.
The result of this is CORA, a flat packed lamp that is simple in construction and assembly utilising non-destructive and recyclable fixings. The method of adjustability chosen is rotation. Simply slide off the Aluminium Light Output and Cable Holder and rotate the Body (an assembly of two cork legs using a friction fit) of CORA to a position that is satisfactory. Once this has been achieved slide the Aluminium Light Output and Cable Holder back into position. The interaction that arises from the adjustability of the lamp provides an element of fun and playfulness.
5 different adjustable positions are showcased below.
Aesthetic Introduction & How To Turn CORA On
Cora consists of both biological and technical nutrients throughout the lamp itself, and its packaging. Biological materials have been used to create a natural and warm aesthetic, illustrating its environmental and sustainable design.
The lamp is switched on and off by a squeeze action. The HDPE diffuser has been designed to be comfortable when squeezed inwards using a thumb. The rear section of the Aluminium Light Output has also been shaped so it is comfortable when squeezed against.
Material Selection
Lamp
Aluminium (Lighting Output, Cable Holder, and Screws) is recyclable, and in doing so presents a 95% reduction in the amount of energy needed to produce it, compared to primary metal. Aluminium is also lightweight, reducing the cost of transportation.
HDPE (Light Diffuser) is tough, easy to process, recyclable, and has low friction.
Enviro-Wire (Electrical Cable) is a recyclable electrical cable and wire that is PVC and halogen free.
Cork (Legs) is a rapidly renewable biological material that is lightweight and impermeable to water. Cork is also recyclable and compostable.
Packaging
Ecovative Mushroom® Material is a fast growing, low water consuming, compostable and rapidly renewable biological alternative to plastic packaging. The material is naturally fire retardant, lightweight, and shock absorbent.
PurePrint Cardboard is a renewable, recyclable, and compostable biological material that is lightweight. This material can also be printed onto easily.
Natural latex rubber is a rapidly renewable, elastic, and recyclable biological material that possesses excellent resilience and tensile strength.
Colourants
An organic pigment will be used to colour the Natural Latex Rubber green. Green has been used to showcase the product as environmental and sustainable, whilst also making the rubber bands for CORA easily identifiable.
Green4print Emerald Offset Inks are 75% - 82% bio-ink. The inks are made from bio-solvents and bio-resins (phenol-formaldehyde tin-free resins) with no suspicious substances and halogen-free pigments.
Reutilisation Cycle and Business Model
What happens at the end of the product’s useful life?
If the owner decides to replace or discard CORA, they have two options;
1. Order prepaid return packaging via the CORA website. The returnee will receive a financial reward for returning all, or part of CORA.
2. Personally, or locally, compost the biological nutrients (Cork, Ecovative Mushroom® Material, PurePrint Cardboard) and recycle the technical nutrients (Alcoa Aluminium, HDPE, Enviro-wire, Natural Latex Rubber Bands, PurePrint Cardboard, and L.E.D Bulb).
What infrastructure takes your product from cradle to cradle?
The entirety of CORA can be re-utilised. The ease of which something can be returned and the financial incentives encouraging owners to do so ensures CORA is cradle to cradle. This business strategy also ensures that a loyal customer base is built.
How does it get cycled?
Home repair, buying replacement (refurbished parts would be available at a cheaper cost) parts, and company reclamation.
Product Systems Diagram
CORA
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