Coop is a compostable bowl made from discarded eggshells sourced from The University of Edinburgh’s catering services. The project embodies both beauty and purpose by using waste materials to create something new and functional. While the material itself has many uses, the designer, Josephine Drew, chose to design a centerpiece for a dining table, hoping it will spark conversations about the potential of replacing unsustainable materials with waste materials. The eggshells are blended into a powder and then mixed with sodium alginate and water and left to dry for a couple of days. It provides a sustainable alternative to the ceramics industry as it does not require a kiln. The inside of the bowl is painted with a twist on a traditional tempera recipe, a medium that uses egg yolk as a binder with water and kaolin clay as a natural pigment.

Coop is more than just a bowl; it fosters a deeper understanding of sustainability principles and encourages eco-friendly habits. Packaged in compostable materials, Coop includes plantable seed paper with care instructions, offering learning and engagement with nature. A recipe for potato starch glue is also included, empowering users to repair any damage and extend Coop's lifespan. This design is not just for packaging; it can also be used as a plant pot. When the bowl is no longer needed, it can be broken into pieces, soaked in water, and added to soil to provide added nutrients.

In the UK, 11.7 billion eggs were consumed in 2023, resulting in an abundance of eggshell waste. Coop demonstrates the potential of repurposing this waste into a useful biomaterial. It prompts reflection on the value hidden within waste products, waiting to be repurposed. Chickens teach us about the complexity of a closed loop system and a circular economy as they are fed by kitchen waste and farming by-products, produce eggs and soil fertiliser in about 25 hours. They are material processors that transform one product into something entirely different.

In a world of throw-away culture, Coop encourages people to rethink their consumption habits and adopt a more mindful approach to waste management. Each bowl was made in Josephine's university kitchen, showing that anyone can explore alternative uses for waste materials. It encourages individuals to appreciate the beauty of repurposed resources and actively contribute to a sustainable world.

The goal was to blend material creation with the overall product experience. Research indicates that hands-on crafting and consumer engagement deepen understanding of biomaterials and circular design. Creating a circular system with diverse stakeholders is key to the design approach, promoting genuine sustainability.
Coop, in its form of a compostable bowl, embodies the potential for change and serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. The project showcases the possibilities of turning waste into valuable products and encourages a shift towards more sustainable practices. A seemingly simple bowl would hold the key to future sustainability in todays eco-conscious environment.

Website: josephinedrew.com