Upcycling Revolution: Inspiration from Taiwan Design Research Institute

In a collaborative effort to promote sustainable design, the Cebu Culture, Art and Design Foundation (CCADF) and Cebu UNESCO City of Design joined forces with the Taiwan Design Research Institute to host an inspiring event titled “Codesigning Sustainability” on June 6, 2024. Held at the KMC Townhall in Cebu I.T. Park, this gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including local government officials, academics, students, entrepreneurs, and designers. This event was made possible through the Philippines-Taiwan Design Cooperation, a partnership fostered by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

This event served as a valuable platform for fostering collaboration under the Taiwan Philippine Design Cooperation agreement. Renowned Taiwanese designers and representatives from the Taiwan Design Research Institute shared their expertise and experiences in sustainable design.

The focus? Exploring best practices and resources while sparking exciting possibilities for future collaborations. It was a golden opportunity to network with industry leaders and innovators who share a passion for creating sustainable solutions.

Among the inspiring speakers was Yen-Wen Tseng, Founder and Design Director of NAKNAK Design. Tseng’s design philosophy revolves around finding creative ways to breathe new life into everyday objects. His talk focused on their innovative approach to upcycling styrofoam waste from the ocean into functional and beautiful benches for public spaces. Tseng’s message resonated strongly: creating something valuable and useful from trash, while keeping it visible in public spaces, can spark important conversations about sustainability.

Ocean Ou of Duolog Design offered another captivating presentation, showcasing their method of upcycling discarded fishing nets into stylish and durable spectacles. These presentations highlighted the immense potential of upcycling and its role in creating functional design solutions.

The Future of Upcycling: Technology and AI

The event also shed light on the exciting future of upcycling powered by technology. Cutting-edge machines equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing waste management. These machines can sort and analyze different types of waste materials with remarkable accuracy.

With AI-powered sorting systems, specific plastics ideal for upcycling into construction materials are identified and machines that utilize AI predict the optimal way to transform various waste materials into high-quality, functional products. This technology holds immense potential for streamlining the upcycling process and creating a wider range of sustainable materials.

The Philippines: A Land of Potential

With the Philippines grappling with a significant waste problem, this event served as a beacon of hope, inspiring us to embrace innovative and creative approaches to upcycle waste and elevate functional design in the Philippines. It inspired us to start the dialogue, embrace innovative and creative approaches to upcycle waste and elevate functional design in the Philippines.

The Company Cebu is committed to supporting these creative minds! If you’re a designer or innovator passionate about making a positive change through sustainable design, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us and let’s work together to build a more sustainable future, utilizing the power of technology and AI to maximize the impact of upcycling efforts.