UNWASTED
Unwasted redefines ceramic production by using 65–100% waste materials—such as eggshells, ash, and ceramic shards—to replace virgin resources.
Developed through collaborations with farmers, industry, and local recycling centers, it creates new circular loops that reduce emissions and extraction while building inclusive partnerships. One ongoing key collaboration is with the the big danish food production company Danæg A/s , providing eggshells for Unwasted.
The project has received national and international recognition, including awards and nominations for sustainable innovation across the design, craft, and construction sectors.
One of the key elements of Unwasted is the tile-design exhibited as a mock-up 1:1 scale wall.
The tiles has been developed and designed with purpose of being integrated into architecture, design solutions for interior as well as artistic pieces .
The next time Unwasted will be exhibited is as part of the special exhibition “Visions of the Future”, taking place from October 2025 to April 2026 at Meldahls Smedie in Copenhagen.
Date: June 2024
Where: Grønbechsgård, Bornholm Center for Crafts, June–August 2024, CLAY Ceramics Museum Denmark, September–November 2024 , European Ceramic Context 2024
Project type: Tiles - Architecture - Interior - Waste materials
Materials: Wastematerials from agriculture, food industry, ceramic and glass workshops w. more.
The Unwasted Poster
Description of each tile exhibited
on the mock-up wall.
Click to see full size.
Photo credit: Peter Vinther
Photo credit: Peter Vinther
CRAFTING BELONGING AND
WELLBEING THROUGH MATERIALS
More than a material innovation, Unwasted explores how design can support mental wellbeing and connection. Tactile surfaces made from waste engage the senses, invite presence, and bring beauty to forgotten architectural spaces—offering moments of care, presence, and belonging in the public realm. Rooted in craft traditions and designed for the many, not the few, Unwasted proves that sustainability can also be emotional, poetic, and deeply human. A forgotten wall on a building can get new life with a few details with tiles.
A key element to the Unwasted project, is the aim to do good. To avoid mining extraction, which is both harmful for people and planet. By unwasting materials, the need and dependency for virgin ressources are minimal, and hereby by using local materials and waste the impact is less harmful.
A part of the collecting is at the Academic institution, collecting ceramic and glass waste from other students at a Unwasted mini-pop-up Recycling Station.
Photo credit: Peter Vinther
RECOGNITION ACROSS CRAFT, CULTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
Unwasted has garnered wide-ranging recognition, reflecting its unique position at the crossroads of art, craft, and sustainable construction.
From cultural and craft-focused awards like the Juni Fondens Hæderspris 2024 and Danmarks Nationalbanks Jubilæumsfond grants to key construction funds such as Boligfonden Kuben Spirekasselegat, the project exemplifies how circular design can resonate across diverse sectors.
Its nomination for the prestigious Green Concept Awards 2025 in the category New Materials.This further highlight the project's innovative approach to sustainability and material reuse. In 2025, Unwasted has also become part of the permanent exhibition at the Material District Utrecht, Holland showcasing its evolving role in contemporary material innovation.
"Unwasted is a great example of
the level of creativity and passion with which our finalists are contributing to a more sustainable future "
- Niels Bader , Director Green Product Awards
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TALKS AND FORUMS
Unwasted has been shared through talks, lectures, and panels across Europe—sparking dialogue on circular craft and design.
Highlights include guest lecturing at Politecnico di Milano, presenting at the European Ceramic Context 2024, and speaking at the Green Youth Forum by Danske Iværksættere and Tuborgfondet.
These engagements reflect Unwasted’s growing relevance across education, industry, and cultural sectors.
LATEST NEWS!
The next time Unwasted will be exhibited is as part of the special exhibition “Visions of the Future”, taking place from October 2025 to April 2026 at Meldahls Smedie in Copenhagen.
More information will follow.
Curious to explore more facets of Unwasted?
Discover these two related projects that dive deeper into its materials and methods.
