This project was commissioned to help a startup, Green Boulevard explore its range of starch-based products. The startup’s aim is to address the harmful effects that common disposables have towards the environment. Disposables if not properly disposed, will contaminate and endanger the ecosystem.

With the rising affluence of consumers in developed cities, people are spending and buying more. As a result, consumer waste is also increasing and polluting our environment. Trends in the fast-fashion accessories scene changes rapidly and younger consumers tend to purchase new accessories every month. Old designs become obsolete quickly and are often discarded into boxes or thrown away, which leads to tons of trash accumulating on Earth.

Botanaise aims to address this issue by introducing biodegradable accessories that have interchangeable charms made from starch. This starch material is specially formulated using rice flour and other organic ingredients. As the fashion trend changes and new designs are being fitted into the accessories, old starch charms can then be composted or planted into fresh herbs or flowers as some designs are decorated with seeds. Even if it is not planted, the material is still environmentally-friendly when disposed. Botanaise starch material is made from 100% organic ingredients, biodegradable both on land and in water, and safe for animal consumption. Its target audience are female millennials that are open to temporal ownership and value variety and new styles.

 

The Highlights

Botanaise was designed with a cradle-to-cradle biological cycle where natural ingredients are used and biodegraded back into the environment at the end of the product lifecycle. It also has a lower carbon footprint compared to other accessories and it reduces the impact on the environment.

For individuals who likes to make and customise their accessories, a separate do-it-yourself kit is available. This is coupled with an online platform where consumers can learn about making techniques, view new trends and designs, as well as sharing their own creations through social media platforms.

The overall concept of Botanaise is to promote zero-waste in the fashion industry, reusing of accessories and educating consumers to adopt a sustainable lifestyle through environmentally- friendly alternatives.

The project was exhibited at the ADM Graduation Show 2019, featured on Lianhe Zaobao, and on NTU Facebook page.

The Memories

Engaging visitors through a sample feel of Botanaise.
Showcasing the do-it-yourself kit for individuals who wish to design their own accessory. All materials used are reusable and biodegradable.
Botanaise’s creator and designer explaining the concept of biodegradable accessories.
Growing old Botanaise accessories into fresh herbs or flowers.

Reflection #1 – The Challenges

Formulation of material

The designer had to explore and research on areas that he was not familiar with. Formulating the starch material from scratch was a very tedious and lengthy process. Multiple tests and experiments were also done to discover the ideal material properties. Nevertheless, through hard work and determination, the designer finally managed to achieve his project objectives and formulated a new starch material for multiple possible applications.

Project management

Botanaise was generally a new concept that had to be grasped and delivered within a short time. As such, the designed had to adhere strictly to the product development timeline, to ensure that everything runs like clockwork.

New to the jewellery making space, the designer also attended a course and practiced on other materials first before designing biodegradable accessories. In the process, he learnt new technical skills that were very helpful in achieveing the final product.

Reflection #2 – The Takeaways

  • Botanaise achieved its goals in advocating environmental sustainability and proposing a concept to reduce waste in the fast-fashion industry. It also replaced harmful and eco-toxic materials with renewable starch material.
  • Botanaise has received many positive reviews from the public, with some individuals already expressed interest to purchase the biodegradable accessories when it commercialises.
  • The intention of this project is to explore innovative ways to replace harmful and eco-toxic materials in lifestyle products. Consumers can make a difference to the environment by selecting eco-friendly materials and lead a sustainable lifestyle.
  • Botanaise is just a small aspect of this change and there are many more products and materials that can be explored further. The designer hopes that through Botanaise, he is able to inspire future designers to embark on more sustainable projects and influence consumers to adopt a sustainable lifestyle through responsible buying decisions.