LightArt 3D Prints Impressive Lights From Recycled Ocean Plastic

Following the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age, we find ourselves in the Plastic Age. In the thought-provoking 2006 documentary “Plastic Planet,” director Werner Boote examines the pervasive presence of plastic in all aspects of our lives. While wealthier industrialized nations are reconsidering their plastic consumption, poorer regions still heavily rely on it as the predominant material. Plastic has permeated every corner of our existence, driven by its affordability, durability, and longevity, making it the perfect choice for manufacturers. However, the long-lasting nature of plastic poses ecological challenges, particularly when it finds its way into our oceans.

In response, numerous companies, organizations, and artists have taken up the mission of working with recycled materials and ocean plastic. Yet, not all plastics are alike. Each type possesses distinct characteristics, making the process of repurposing ocean waste a formidable task. Nevertheless, with the right techniques, it becomes possible to transform this waste into any desired form. One avenue that offers sustainable upcycling opportunities is additive manufacturing. LightArt, a company renowned for crafting exceptional lighting fixtures, champions additive manufacturing as a responsible approach to production.

LightArt makes lighting fixtures from recycled plastic using 3D printing.

From Waste to Watt

LightArt, an American company established in 2005 and operating in Seattle and Salt Lake City, combines the expertise of its founder, XY, who draws upon years of architectural experience to create remarkable, large-scale lighting fixtures in artistic forms. Ryan Smith, the chairman and creative director, emphasizes their profound understanding of architecture, sculpture, and lighting, enabling them to grasp the essence of a space’s vision and utilize the art of light to enhance the desired aesthetic. Quality, craftsmanship, and unique materials are also central to their approach, prompting continuous exploration of novel materials and a focus on utilizing recycled and waste materials. This commitment to both design integrity and sustainability is beautifully exemplified in their Coil Collection.

The Coil Collection represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable lighting design and material science. These lamps are crafted entirely from 100% recycled polypropylene, which has been transformed into pellets and used in 3D printing to create distinctive lighting fixtures. The source material for the entire Coil collection is derived from diverse waste and debris found in oceans and coastal areas. Through extensive research and development, LightArt successfully processed this material for additive manufacturing. By employing the FDM process with granules, they produce impressive lighting fixtures in an array of shapes and colors. The resulting pendant lights possess smooth, matte surfaces, reminiscent of handcrafted pottery, while embodying the principles of upcycling and sustainable design.

LightArt Collaborates with OceanWorks for Ocean Coil Collection

The initial installment of the Coil series, created from internal waste, has garnered numerous accolades. Building on this success, LightArt introduces the Ocean Coil Collection as a significant advancement. This collection takes the company’s commitment to sustainability even further by crafting lights from recycled plastic sourced from oceans and coastal areas. A staggering amount of eight million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean each year. In collaboration with OceanWorks, LightArt strives to actively contribute to addressing this issue while expanding the sustainability of its own brand. OceanWorks collaborates with local teams worldwide to collect and segregate waste from maritime regions. This waste undergoes further processing to create recycled marine plastic, which, in the case of LightArt, is transformed into granules for 3D printing purposes.

With the Ocean Coil Collection, LightArt integrated two new shapes and also two new colors into the range: Seagrass and Sea Foam. The lamps of the Ocean Coil Collection are therefore captivating not only because of their sustainability, but also because of their colors and elegant shapes. You can find more information HERE.

As part of the Ocean Coil Collection, LightArt also offers two new shapes and colors: Seagrass and Sea Foam.

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*All Photo Credits: LightArt