TEXINTEL LIVE INTERVIEW WITH CONOR MCARTHUR AT GREEN GRADS, YORKTON WORKSHOP - LONDON 2024

In this conversation, Cary Sherburne of What They Think, USA interviews Conor McArthur at Green Grads, at Yorkton Workshop - London 2024.

Conor has invented “seaweed leather,” a versatile, durable and sustainable biomaterial based on kelp, which is both regenerative and abundant in Scotland, where he studied and lives. Conor worked with Scottish seaweed experts and event organisers to explore and test his new material building a segment of a modular, scalable pavilion for outdoor events such as festivals.

“Such temporary structures are typically made from extractive materials and generate significant waste,”


Key Takeaways:

Conor McArthur “KelpWorks”

Conor has invented “seaweed leather,” a versatile, durable and sustainable biomaterial based on kelp, which is both regenerative and abundant in Scotland, where he studied and lives. Conor worked with Scottish seaweed experts and event organisers to explore and test his new material building a segment of a modular, scalable pavilion for outdoor events such as festivals. “Such temporary structures are typically made from extractive materials and generate significant waste,” Conor explains. “Using biomaterials could help reduce waste and drive innovation in sustainable design.”  Currently, he is testing his seaweed bench in different weathers, experimenting with new seaweed bio-composites, and exploring/testing more technologies like 3D printing, laser cutting, engraving, and printing onto seaweed – “pushing the boundaries of what this material can achieve.”

Master of European Design, The Glasgow School of Art, 2024

@conor_mcarthur

WHAT IS GREEN GRADS?

GreenGrads, is a ground-breaking initiative founded by Barbara Chandler and Michael Czerwinski with the bold mission of nurturing the next generation of sustainable designers, product creatives, and environmental engineers. It offers a unique platform to promote and support young innovators, fostering a vibrant community where ideas thrive, and real-world impact is made.

HERE IS WHAT OUR GREEN GRADS SAY ABOUT US:

“Our generation is part of tomorrow’s solution.”

“I am just so happy to be a GREEN GRAD – it’s joining me up with so many other like- minded creatives and I feel so much more effective!”

“We graduates can work outside industry and show it’s urgent to act now.”

“We makers must consider the impact of our design, and help others to do the same.”

“I am a GREEN GRAD because design is a game changer for social and environmental injustice.”

“We GREEN GRADS combine technology with activism.”

Who supports Green Grads:

*Special Thanks to Texintel, Fespa and Epson for their ongoing sponsorship, with an ear for Eco Textiles and of course: Anglepoise, Another Country, Benchmark, Camira, Case Furniture, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour (our headline sponsor), Designers Guild, Epson, Heal’s, Informare, Epson UK, Ercol, FESPA, Imageco, Little Red Rooster, Naturalmat, Nick Munro, Planit-ie, PriestmanGoode, Prinfab, SCP, Tom Faulkner, Urge Collective, Viaduct, Zetteler PR





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TEXINTEL LIVE INTERVIEW WITH BARBARA CHANDLER FOUNDER OF GREENGRADS

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TEXINTEL LIVE INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL CZERWINSKI CO-FOUNDER OF GREENGRADS