Texture For Nature

Texture For Nature re-examines the design challenges in the supply of high-purity reusable materials and reconsiders the function of the QR code as a solution to improve the recyclability of plastic products. QR codes (quick response codes) convey information quickly and are already widely used by consumers. However, they are usually attached to consumer goods as a label, or they are directly printed or etched on the surface of products via post-processing. From an environmental standpoint, such codes on products are considered pollutants because they reduce the recyclability of the parts in question. The project explores the eco-friendly QR code from three perspectives and redesigns the QR code in a way that adds new values. First, essential information about the plastic materials is incorporated into the QR code (production site, year of production, type, raw material contents, colour, UL certification, etc.) so that high-purity waste plastics can be better sorted and recycled. Second, the project identified significant factors influencing the recognition rate of three-dimensional QR codes implemented using injection methods, and created a design guide for the specific conditions under which waste plastic parts can be recognised and classified using a scanner. Lastly, the QR code design was transformed and arranged to form patterns so that the QR code is appropriate for the product’s functionality and design. For instance, perforated QR codes can be arranged in a repeated pattern on the surface of air purifiers, speakers, and TV parts with grilles or vent holes. Placing repeated patterns on such products can result in the addition of a new function that allows for the circular recycling of resources on top of existing functionalities like air, sound, and heat emissions. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Materials and Surfaces