EXPLORE FISHY FILAMENTS IN BUSINESS
Lampshades from recycled fishing nets by Soho Lighting
Published on January 30, written by Laila.
The recent design from The Soho Lighting Company embodies a connection of luxury design with eco-friendly material. This elegant new collection of pendant lighting was brought to life by 3D printing recycled fishing nets, an innovative solution to recycling by Fishy Filaments, making it not only a unique product but a contribution to a better future.
A growing passion
The Soho Lighting Company is a young London-based interior company that creates aesthetically-pleasing, high-end lighting. “Our obsession with beautiful lighting and accessories stems from years of interior design and period renovation projects. We use ultra-efficient LED bulbs that replicate the original design of incandescent bulbs, with no need to compromise looks for efficiency, whilst also being kind to the planet.’’ Soho Lighting has grown to achieve international recognition for its product design, sustainability, and quality.
On the way to save the world
Brandon Hughes, a Marketing Project Manager of this innovative and successful company, let us in on a little insight into their recent collection, made from old, recycled fishing nets. “The Ocean Collection was brought to life through 3D printing using sustainable materials. It is a pioneering collection of lighting boasting various stylish, contemporary pendant lights created using old, recycled plastics and discarded fishing nets by Fishy Filaments.” This recent creation from Soho Lighting is not only a collection of beautiful and stylish products but also intrinsic to create a better future for our oceans. “10% of all proceeds go to the charity Surfers Against Sewage.”
Cleaning the sea
3D printing is now even more eco-friendly thanks to Filamentum’s collaboration with Fishy Filaments. “Fishy Filaments was founded in Cornwall and recycles used fishing nets and waste netting, transforming it into engineering grade filament to be used to make commercially viable products via 3D printing.” The waste fishing nets get a new lease on life by being repurposed as filaments, which can additionally serve as future inspiration for fishermen, too. “The initiative now means that there is new value in the old netting, which encourages fishermen to no longer discard nets into the sea, but instead actively retrieve and recycle them.“
Choice of the right material
The Soho Lighting Company chose to use the new recycled material, Porthcurno, for some of the recent designs from their new collection. “We source high-quality materials from around the world. We handcraft, hand finish, package, and dispatch these artisan products to a global customer base. We create exquisite lighting and accessories that are made according to the highest safety standards and are both environmentally and ethically responsible.” Their company-wide principles connect luxurious design with the aim of creating less waste.
The key to a better future
The type of nets that Porthcurno is constructed from is responsible for about 20% of the global fishing catch. “This fabulous, sustainable concept has enabled us to create beautiful and stylish pendants to adorn and light luxury interiors whilst helping to protect our diminishing ocean sea life.“ as Lee Lovett, Founding Director at The Soho Lighting Company explains. The disposal and management of fishing gear is a complex problem that is important worldwide, not only on the ocean’s surface. “We’re extremely proud to be a British brand who meticulously and ethically sources high-quality traditional materials from the UK and around the world, and we are striving to eliminate all plastics from our packaging by 2024, working closely with our supplier partners to help them achieve the same.“
A Symphony of Sustainability
The Ocean Collection emerges from a harmonious collaboration among visionary companies, showcasing the pinnacle of sustainable design ingenuity. Soho Lighting’s dedication to luxury meets Fillamentum’s innovative supply of recycled fishing net-derived filament, laying the foundation. However, it’s 3D Printing Cornwall, under the leadership of Michael Hunt, that commands the spotlight, managing the intricate 3D printing process with technical excellence.
Design expertise comes from Soho Lighting, in collaboration with Mikyle Swindells from TheDesignLab, a Brighton-based product design consultancy. Mikyle oversees the creative process, working closely with Soho Lighting to craft visually stunning designs for The Ocean Collection. From initial sketches to final 3D designs, they ensure each piece embodies style and is suitable for 3D printing. Working closely with 3D Printing Cornwall, adjustments are made for overhangs, wall thicknesses, and material considerations, ensuring the feasibility of each design. This project not only brings contemporary designs to life but also aims to revolutionize design-thinking by prioritizing sustainability in all creative endeavors.
The final look
The design of the softly sculptured pendants from the Ocean Collection combines beautiful sea-like colours with shell inspired forms. The Soho Lighting Company did not hesitate when choosing the perfect filament for the collection. Porthcurno exhibits an attractive light sea-green colour that closely resembles the ocean, with a smooth and shiny finish. “Each light is printed to order and is available with a choice of bulb holder finishes.” You may also choose from the various colours of bulb holders to best suit your interior.
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