The design world is facing a revolution: all kinds of recyclable and biomaterials are making their appearance to push less sustainable materials like plastic off the throne. Think of chairs made of cork, urns made of mycelium or lighting fixtures made of cut grass. 

At Campus Kortrijk (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture), students of Industrial Sciences: Industrial Design are already going full steam ahead with these materials of the future. And in between, in the third year they are working on a super interesting project, 'Prototyping circular'. They help think about a circular approach to making prototypes. By working with recyclable or biomaterials, some of which they even grow! This circular mindset is something the students try to extend throughout the program, by convincing professors to pay attention in class to materials they experiment with in the studio. 

So circular design challenges students in many different ways. They don't do it alone, but are helped by professor Francesca Ostuzzi and scientific collaborator Louise Dumon. They are very proud of the path their students have already taken over the past few years. 

Some students have even become so passionate about sustainable product design that some of their designs will soon be on the market! And let that be Francesca and Louise's dream: to prepare a new generation of designers who work on a sustainable world with the materials of the future.