Eko teka: The Eco Notebook Revolutionizing Sustainability

Transforming Waste into Innovation

The inspiration for Eko teka came from the alarming amount of textiles and paper that end up in landfills each year. While some of these materials are recycled, the percentage is far too small. Renato Pongrac saw an opportunity to create a product that not only utilizes waste textiles and paper but also challenges the consumer culture of "buy and throw." By repurposing these materials, Eko teka showcases an innovative approach to creating new products that are environmentally friendly.

What sets Eko teka apart is its focus on environmental criteria and its commitment to solving environmental issues. The design follows a sustainable production process, utilizing recycled materials and minimizing waste generation. Eko teka aims to optimize resource utilization and extend the product's lifetime, contributing to a more sustainable future.

The realization of Eko teka involves the collection and sorting of waste textiles by persons with disabilities in a local social cooperative. These textiles are then used to create the cover of the notebook. The book block is made from recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly paints. Even the packaging is made from recycled paper and can be repurposed as a photo frame.

Eko teka comes in two sizes, with each notebook being unique. The design also incorporates a built-in thistle, making it reusable. Additionally, each notebook comes with a label embedded with spruce seeds, allowing users to plant a tree and contribute to reforestation efforts.

The interaction with Eko teka goes beyond its physical attributes. By producing 400 copies of Eko teka A6, a significant amount of waste, CO2 emissions, water consumption, and energy usage were saved. These numbers, along with the act of planting a spruce tree, aim to raise awareness and inspire individuals to take action in preserving the environment.

The Eko teka project began in late 2013 in Čakovec, Croatia, and is still in development. It has already gained recognition, being presented at the Design Week in Zagreb in June 2014 and listed in the Red Dot 21 global design directory. In November 2014, Eko teka will be showcased as an example of good practice eco-design at the Danube PIE project in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Eko teka addresses the environmental challenges posed by the textile and paper industries. By repurposing waste materials and promoting sustainable practices, it offers a solution that combines design and environmental consciousness. This innovative eco notebook has been recognized for its ingenuity, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in 2015 for its contribution to sustainable products, projects, and green design.