Reimagining the Base – Circular Design with By The End of May

What follows when you treat waste as a resource? Together with By The End of May, Interprint continues to explore this question through material research at the intersection of design and sustainability. The collaboration investigates how the paper waste generated in Interprint’s production can be transformed into new functional materials — shifting the perception of waste from residual matter to a source of creative potential.

At the OpenHouse in Arnsberg, the first acoustic studies using Interprint’s paper waste were presented, marking the starting point of this exploration. These early experiments revealed how recycled paper fibers could be restructured to influence sound absorption and surface texture. The presentation at SICAM 2025 builds upon this work, showcasing sharpened acoustic studies and the first steps toward the creation of a substrate — a new kind of carrier board made entirely from recycled paper fibers.

Central to this phase of research is the development of a special mold construction that enables the precise formation of these experimental substrates. The project not only redefines material hierarchies within surface design but also demonstrates how visionary ideas can become tangible practice. As the team summarizes their approach: show vision, deliver practice.