The Dutch Water Authorities are recovering valuable energy and raw materials from wastewater. One of those raw materials is used toilet paper. Recently the Water Authorities Aa & Maas and Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier installed fine sieve installations, with which they can reclaim used toilet paper (cellulose). To celebrate this sustainable innovation, they invited Studio Nienke Hoogvliet to design products with this material. Every year 180.000 tons of toilet paper is flushed down the toilets of the Netherlands. This means 180.000 trees! Before the installation of the fine sieves, this material was burned. Using this cellulose again, not only means that we need to cut down fewer trees, it makes the process of cleaning the water require less energy as well.
Studio Nienke Hoogvliet made a collection of objects, consisting of a big table, lighting, and decorative bowls to show how this material can be integrated into our homes. The goal of the project is to create a positive association with this material. Therefore the cleaned pulp was made into unique, handmade products and combined with brass to show that something from the sewer can have great value again.
Besides cellulose, the Water Authorities can also reclaim energy, phosphates and other materials from wastewater. To show all the possibilities, the tables consist of eight drawers. Every drawer highlights a material.
For more information: www.efgf.nl
![[WONDERLUST]
With our new project [WONDERLUST] for @wiedewold, we aim to offer visitors a fresh perspective on the value of nature. The furniture is crafted from pine wood sourced from Norway spruce trees. In Echtenerzand, a local natural reserve, many trees of this species were felled last winter due to infestation by the bark beetle. This beetle damages the trees by tunneling through the wood, disrupting the tree’s sap flow and causing it to weaken and die. The patterns on the furniture are inspired by the characteristic shapes created by the bark beetle in the wood.
On the table, we showcase different forest finds, things that surprised us with their natural beauty. Do you ever take the time to wonder about these small details while wandering through the forest? In this exhibition, you can observe all these tiny beauties.
By providing a new perspective on the local surroundings, we hope to stimulate a dialogue about the future of the countryside and the role of nature within it.
A collaboration with @tim.jongerius
Curated by @jorn.konijn and @lisa_hardon
A special thanks to @brunoszenk and @iiadrianaii](https://www.nienkehoogvliet.nl/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)