by The ‘Sacalho’ tote bag uses bio-based materials produced by waste
Sacalho tote bag by designer Gui Giantini uses a completely biodegradable composition, resorting to waste of garlic husks for the elaboration of its fabric. Created in Portugal, where around 1 million tons of food is lost each year while the textile sector is responsible for up to 20% of freshwater pollution, the main strategy of the project was to use waste disposal for its manufacture. . The development of the biotextile began with the exploration of the composition of various food residues, such as coffee grounds, wood ashes, peanut shells, garlic shells, etc., opting for the latter to be typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
all images by Lígia Lopes
modular molds generate geometric patterns in the biomaterial
Developing a biotextile under these mechanical properties and physical attributes similar to those of a fabric, a material was obtained that presents a strong resistance compared to other textiles commonly used in tote bags. The parametric design process by the designer allowed to customize the dimensions, generate geometric pattern options and optimize the manufacture of modular mixing molds for biomaterial production. The mixture is demolded after two days, and the garlic husk biotextile is sewn into the shape of a handbag.
biodegradable textile in a geometric pattern
sustainable urgency demands biobased design resources
The ‘Sacalho’ tote bag was developed in an academic and scientific context to allow its manufacturing feasibility and promote the emergence of alternative bio-based materials to those commonly used for profit in the market, participating in the high impact and environmental pollution. The current disposal of cotton bags reaches the balance of its environmental impact only after 20,000 consecutive uses, committing to daily use for 54 years to fully offset the pollution from its manufacture. Attest to the urgency of sustainable design and other fields have to bear social responsibility. Today’s undeniable sustainable demand requires design methods that promote the regeneration of natural systems, pollution mitigation and waste production. Sustainable design drives the development of new bio-based materials.
food waste makes up the bio-based textile
the mechanical properties of this biotextile give it great resistance to other materials
