Imagine pushing your child in a stroller made from orange peels and egg cartons. That’s the innovative reality of a pioneering design created by students at Finland‘s Aalto University, who collaborated with Dutch brand Bugaboo to craft a pushchair from bio-based and biodegradable materials.
This visionary collaboration was initiated during the previous Dutch Design Week where Aalto University showcased its exhibition of experimental biomaterials. Eager to turn these sustainable concepts into practical products, Bugaboo teamed up with the university’s multidisciplinary chemarts course, resulting in a stroller that seamlessly integrates biodegradable elements with Bugaboo’s signature black frame.
“Sometimes, it’s the unexpected or seemingly crazy ideas that open up new possibilities,” said Aalto’s design lecturer Anna-Marie van der Lei. This creative work is precisely that—a blend of creative thought and material science, using sawdust composites and plant-based elements. It challenges us to rethink everyday materials, from canopy peels to foam from used egg cartons.
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Innovative Pram Design: Sawdust Panels and Citrus Canopies
Chemical engineering student Nikolai Kurochkin introduced a composite of sawdust and methyl cellulose, forming a sandy-hued back panel. This cellulose derivative serves as both a thickener and emulsifier. The seat, on the other hand, features a durable, tar-coated plant-based leather by Alois Auer and Renata Khayrutdinova, providing both water-repellent qualities and an aromatic touch.
Bio products lecturer Tiina Nypelö explains, “The tar coating gives the seat durability and a pleasant scent.” Though not entirely waterproof yet, the stroller’s mixed-material cushioning provides extra comfort, combining starch-based foam with recycled fibre-foam originally from egg cartons. This is an example of a stroller design that prioritizes sustainability and comfort.
Canopies and Details with a Twist
The woven canopy, crafted from waste orange peel by Serranur Zileli, emits a subtle scent. A matching hemp and lignin biolace blanket, designed by Julia Särkkä, adds both strength and aesthetic cohesion to the stroller. Label contributions from Alessandra Fini and team assure that every detail aligns with the project’s biodegradable vision, reflecting the core ethos of their progressive approach.
Bugaboo demonstrates the power of modern design collaboration, similar to how Twelve South’s PowerClip merges functionality with ingenuity for daily convenience.
Despite being a concept for now, the stroller is a real-world collaboration at Aalto University’s Chemarts lab, where students engaged directly with Bugaboo’s design leads. “Bugaboo offered students a lot of freedom, empowering them to develop the final product,” van der Lei shared. This creative partnership exemplifies what can be achieved through innovative partnerships.
This collaboration showcases Bugaboo’s willingness to explore uncharted territories in material design, advancing initiatives like the transformation of ancient wood into modern textiles. Photographer Esa Kapila captures the ingenuity of this cutting-edge concept, a testament to Aalto University’s commitment to sustainable innovation through forward-thinking designs.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials is the innovative stroller made from?
The stroller is crafted from bio-based and biodegradable materials including orange peels, sawdust composites, and plant-based elements such as citrus canopies and starch-based foam.
Who collaborated on the stroller design?
The stroller design was a collaboration between students at Finland’s Aalto University and Dutch brand Bugaboo, resulting in a pushchair made from sustainable and innovative materials.
What features does the stroller include?
The stroller features a woven canopy made from waste orange peel, a seat with tar-coated plant-based leather for water-repellent qualities, and cushioning made from starch-based foam with recycled fiber-foam.