bio-wool hard shell luggage made from recycled carpets

bio-wool hard shell luggage made from recycled carpets by daniel mclaughlin
all images courtesy daniel mclaughlin

new zealand graduate and designer daniel mclaughlin, has implemented the research and exploration gathered from ‘biowool’, his thesis project at the RCA in london into ‘terracase’, a hard shell suitcase made from recycled carpets and a combination of bio resin derived from rapeseed oil. the development extends the applicability and longevity of wool-based products before it eventually becomes waste. the suitcase was produced using a combination of CAD technologies, with the shell of the luggage tested using an FEA analysis to simulate a drop and handling, digitally subjecting the piece to the rigours of use. informed by the hardest drought in new zealand and the low, volatile wool prices, the project looks to re-purpose waste into higher value applications.

the final outcome was recently awarded 5,000 GBP from the james dyson foundation, helping aid the development of ‘biowool’, as it has wide potential for engineering and uses in sustainable manufacturing.

the ‘terracase’ suitcase implements the research and exploration gathered from ‘biowool’

the luggage is made from recycled carpets and a combination of bio resin derived from rapeseed oil

‘terracase’ extends the applicability and longevity of wool-based products before it eventually becomes waste

the final outcome was recently awarded 5,000 GBP from the james dyson foundation

moulds created using a combination of CAD technologies

bio-wool prototypes and testing samples