Recycled Acetate

Material research project focused on the recovery and revalorisation of cellulose acetate waste from the eyewear industry. The project began with field research into the production processes and waste streams generated by eyewear manufacturing, investigating how discarded acetate could be redirected into a new material system.

This research led to the development of re-acetate, a recycled material developed to incorporate recovered cellulose acetate waste into a processable feedstock for additive manufacturing. The project involved material formulation, prototyping and testing, with the aim of exploring new applications for an industrial waste stream while maintaining a connection to the eyewear manufacturing sector.

The research resulted in a patented material solution and received several recognitions, including the Make IT Circular award and the "Best U35 Project" at Genoa Design Week 2024, followed by an exhibition at the ADI Design Museum.