Reviving Fiberglass: Cocoon
RF-cocoon is based on a material research project Reviving Fibreglass. We witness today a colossal scale of fibreglass resin waste across our land and sea. Nature is unable to digest synthetic resin and her rejection of this material is clear. Yet we have not found a better way to manage such waste, or to recycle effectively.
In Luxembourg, stacks of fibreglass resin cylinders are waiting to be refurbished. With this quantity, many here find themselves decommissioned.
When the fibreglass resin waste reaches a dismantling centre, it is mechanically crushed and ground down before heading to landfill. The process is brutally simplistic and energy intensive. Incineration releases harmful gases which otherwise need further capturing and processing before releasing into the atmosphere. If the global market demand for fibreglass and production is ever increasing, isn’t it incongruous to render it as waste.
An atelier of other's solution is a light piece that captures the visual and tactile quality of woven fibreglass.
Additional information
RF-cocoon works with a local company’s fibreglass resin waste and adopt them, crafting and treating these materials individually ourselves. The project wants to offer these robust materials a second life while reducing waste going into landfills and air pollution from incineration. An atelier of other's craft and research present a durable product for a different field.
Entirely designed, tested, crafted and built in Luxembourg, this material research studies the transience and mobility of synthetic waste hauling in our industry and its ubiquitous presence in the urban context.
Text submitted by the maker
Ingredient list
Fibreglass resin and LED light.
Credits
Presta Gaz, Atelier Thill, Luxinnovation, Subtile Style
Photo credits
An atelier of other