INDUSTRIAL CRAFT collection by Charlotte Kidger – All photos by Lousie Oats.

London 2018 – Charlotte Kidger created an up-cycled design collection milling plastic waste streams associated with CNC fabrication. Named Industrial Craft the the material based design project features colourful pots, vessels and two large sculptural tables made from a lightweight polyurethane foam dust.

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“Such disposal material is still regarded as a niche plastic which is generally incinerated or landfilled.” Says to Archipanic Charlotte Kidger. “With a clear design opportunity I set out to find ways of utilising and repurposing this undervalued and problematic material.”

Through an applied and pragmatic approach, Kidger managed to push the boundaries of the material to create an outcome that could be cut, sanded, engraved, put back into CNC and casted, just like wood. “This new composite base material provides exciting opportunity for further design applications as well as finding a more permanent solution to the original waste stream.”

Working with a composite material means each outcome is unique and bespoke. For example, even if you use the same mould to cast multiples pieces, each comes out slightly different due to the curing process during casting.

“These often-unexpected reveals can create interesting defects that add new layers to the materials qualities; I believe this adds value to the objects I create by blurring a boundary between craft and industrial manufacturing.” Explains Charlotte Kidger.

The collection concept sparked from Kidger’s close relationship with the CNC fabrication company Bakers Patterns which provided the waste stream to be up cycled. “With a zero-waste process in the making of my ‘sculptural objects’ and with strong focus on the durability, I aim to have created an alluring yet functional use to the material.”

Indeed, the Industrial crafts series represents both elements of sustainability and innovation. “Through working with an abundant source of waste material sourced from the creativity of other designers, I hope to have found an innovative solution to utilising this waste stream.”

All photos by Louise Oats, courtesy of Charlotte Kidger.

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