Are Basse Stittgen’s remade wood objects a sustainable alternative?

Pros of Basse Stittgen’s “remade wood” objects as a sustainable alternative:

1. Utilizes under-used plant-based polymer: Stittgen’s use of lignin, an under-utilized plant-based polymer, helps to maximize resource efficiency and reduce waste.
2. Reduces dependence on traditional wood: By transforming lignin into functional objects, Stittgen offers an alternative to traditional wood products, helping to alleviate the strain on forests.
3. Promotes circular economy: The remade wood objects encourage a circular economy mindset by repurposing an otherwise overlooked material, reducing the need for new resources.
4. Supports sustainable forestry: By using European Spruce trees as the source for lignin and cellulose, Stittgen indirectly supports sustainable forestry practices and responsible sourcing.
5. Offers design flexibility: Stittgen’s methods allow for a wide range of design possibilities, showcasing the potential for sustainable alternatives in various industries.

Cons of Basse Stittgen’s “remade wood” objects as a sustainable alternative:

1. Limited availability and scalability: The utilization of lignin as a raw material for remade wood objects may face challenges in terms of availability and scalability, potentially limiting its widespread adoption.
2. Uncertain long-term durability: Since remade wood objects are a relatively new concept, the long-term durability and performance of these products are yet to be fully understood.
3. Potential energy-intensive production: The processes involved in transforming lignin into functional objects may require energy-intensive methods, which can have environmental implications.
4. Lack of consumer awareness: The concept of remade wood objects may not be widely known or understood by consumers, which could hinder its acceptance and market demand.
5. Cost considerations: As a novel and specialized approach, remade wood objects may currently be more expensive to produce, making them less accessible to a wider audience.

context: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/10/24/lignin-bioplastic-basse-stittgen-tree-ism/

German designer Basse Stittgen unveils innovative techniques for repurposing lignin, a lesser-known plant-based polymer. Through the Tree-ism project, Stittgen delves into the potential of lignin and cellulose, extracted from European Spruce trees, to create practical and functional items.