DB Schenker Upcycling Hub: A Revolution in Waste Repurposing

Carlos Banon's Innovative Design Transforms Waste into Functional Elegance

The Large Room, as it is known, stands out for its innovative approach to waste repurposing. By employing additive manufacturing, Banon has transformed over 500 kg of single-use plastics into stunning design elements. Advanced 3D printing techniques have been used to create eye-catching features such as a chandelier of 3D-printed tiles. This approach not only transforms waste into striking features but also sets a new standard for circularity in design.

The Upcycling Hub was realized using a variety of materials, including transparent PET bottles, polystyrene foam from packaging, cardboard from logistic boxes, discarded wooden pallets, and recycled rubber flooring. The result is a 400 sqm space that showcases the potential of waste materials as functional design elements.

Visitors to the Upcycling Hub are given the opportunity to experience waste in a new light. Through innovative processes, waste materials are transformed into luxurious, functional designs that emphasize the harmony of sustainability and luxury. The Hub serves as a powerful example of how businesses can adopt innovative waste management practices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The project, which started in August 2019 and was completed in May 2022, is located in Singapore's Red Lion Building. It is the result of extensive research into the repurposing of waste materials through 3D printing and digital design. The impact of the DB Schenker Upcycling Hub extends beyond its physical space, setting new standards for circularity in logistics, inspiring sustainable practices, and demonstrating the capacity of 3D printing to transform waste into intricate designs.

Despite the challenges of creating elegant design elements from waste, Banon and his team were able to leverage 3D printing and digital design processes to achieve their goals. The result is a stunning Upcycling Hub that not only sets a new standard for circularity but also serves as a testament to the potential of sustainable design.

The DB Schenker Upcycling Hub was awarded the Golden A' 3D Printed Forms and Products Design Award in 2023. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.