Sunseeker has partnered with recycling and waste management organisation SUEZ and Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) on a creative project aimed at reimagining the future of textile sustainability.
The Designing Textiles for a Zero Waste Future initiative challenged AUB students to explore the circular use of materials using the British luxury yacht builder’s fabric and leather offcuts.
Students were encouraged to rethink traditional design by creating pieces that could be not only crafted from reclaimed materials but also disassembled and repurposed into new items.
Students experimented with a wide range of techniques including dyeing, etching, laser cutting and embroidery, with the results demonstrating how premium materials typically associated with luxury yachts can be transformed into versatile, reconfigurable products.
Functional upholstery
Among the standout concepts created were leather water bottle holders designed to evolve into keyrings, wallets or belts and interactive wall hangings capable of being repurposed into functional upholstery.
Each project reflected the student’s approach to sustainability, combining creativity with circular design principles.
Nicky Coyne, senior lecturer for BA (Hons) Textiles at AUB, highlighted the value of the collaboration.
“This partnership has provided a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage directly with real-world sustainability challenges,” said Nicky.
“By considering the entire lifecycle of a product from creation to disassembly, they have proven that luxury and sustainability can seamlessly coexist.”
Driving innovation
This initiative forms part of Sunseeker’s broader sustainability strategy, highlighting the potential of circular design thinking and the importance of partnerships between industry and education in driving innovation.
In addition to this collaboration, Sunseeker is also repurposing fabric offcuts into practical solutions within its own operations, using the materials to create reusable bags for transporting exterior cushions between manufacturing sites, helping to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
“Projects like this really do exemplify how small meaningful changes today can build a better tomorrow,” concluded Sean Dempsey, environmental and sustainability manager at Sunseeker.
“We’ve been incredibly impressed by the students’ creativity and hope our small contribution will inspire them to lead the way in designing the circular fabric solutions of the future.”
