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| DESIGN DETAILS |
DESIGN NAME:
Shellmine Kids
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Tableware Set
INSPIRATION:
This project was commissioned by a Japanese commercial tableware manufacturer to design a set of children's tableware using eggshell plastic. Fukui Craft is the company that introduced plastic tableware to Japan and boasts the largest sales volume. However, environmental problems caused by plastics are becoming more serious worldwide, and the company has developed a biomass resin using eggshells. Biomass resin is an ideal material with low environmental impact, but its high cost makes it more expensive than products made from conventional resin. Especially in the plastic tableware market, where it tends to be chosen because it is cheaper than other materials, it is extremely difficult for tableware made from biomass resin to win the price war. In response to this major problem, we thought about how we could help people choose environmentally friendly products.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Most biomass resin tableware on the market does not look like it is made of biomass resin at first glance. Because they look like conventional products, it is difficult to get people to buy them at a high price. Therefore, by using a chick as the design motif, the raw material, eggshell resin, is made visible, exposing the coloring, which is a mixture of white and brown eggshells. By doing so, we created an opportunity for people to understand what the material is at the storefront. In other words, it is a design that asks people to make a choice about the future global environment.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
The main target of this tableware is infants. The risk of children dropping dishes or cups while eating was reduced by the following methods. By making the bottom of the tableware thicker, we have controlled the center of gravity, which made it harder to fall over. The specific gravity of this material is about the same as that of ceramics, so it can add weight with a small thickness. By undulating the outer surface, it gets caught in your hand when you hold it, which makes it difficult to drop. By helping children eat easily, we support children's desire to eat by themselves.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
The project started in August 2022 and finished in July 2023, and was exhibited in GOOD DESIGN EXHIBITION 2023 in October 2023 etc.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
57% of the material is made from eggshells and has acquired the Japanese Biomass Mark 55.
This product can contribute to a recycling-oriented society by turning discarded eggshells into something attractive.
The specific gravity of the material is almost the same as that of ceramics, and it combines the crack resistance of resin with the robustness of ceramics.
Tableware made of this material, for which a manufacturing process was patented in Japan, can reduce CO2 emissions by 37% and petroleum-derived components by 44% compared to conventional resin tableware.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
Egg Plate W230mm D230mm H24mm 380g, Chick Plate W240mm D180mm H22mm 274g, Cup W81mm D81mm H87mm 140g, Small Bowl W96mm D96mm H43mm 110g, Medium Bowl W107mm D107mm H50mm 164g
TAGS:
SDGs, Kids Design, Eggshell Plastic, Biomass Plastic, Environmental Problem
RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
Based on a survey of more than 120 parents with children, Shellmine Kids was designed to have a shape that is easy to hold and functions that are easy to use. The most common request from mothers was for a shape that is easy to wash and can fit in a dishwasher. Based on the results, we filled in the grooves that should have been on the back of the chick dish to make it easier to wash. Such ideas are usually not good for the environment because they increase the amount of resin used. However, since this product is made from 57% eggshells, the environmental impact of adopting such an idea is minimal.
CHALLENGE:
We decided to make children's tableware because it sells for a higher price than usual as a gift and therefore biomass resin can be used. Through this product, we can also convey the importance of environmental problems from parents to their children. Education is essential to raising environmental awareness. However, we faced a problem here. Children's tableware is often thrown away as they grow up. Therefore, to extend the life of the product, we made the chicken dish removable and designed a shape that is easy for anyone to hold, thereby creating a product that can be used even as an adult.
ADDED DATE:
2024-06-26 14:27:00
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS:
[ Main image: Photographer Naoki Tatori, shellmine, 2023. ][ Image#1: Photographer Naoki Tatori, Shellmine, 2023. ][ Image#2: Photographer Naoki Tatori, Model: Yuzuha Oka, Shellmine, 2023. ][ Image#3: Photographer Naoki Tatori, Model: Ame Murai, Shellmine, 2023.][Image#4: Photographer Naoki Tatori, Shellmine, 2023.]
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| Visit the following page to learn more: http://www.fukuicraft.co.jp/shellminekids/ |
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| CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS |
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NAME:
Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
PROFILE:
Product Design Laboratory, Department of Human Life Studies,
Faculty of Human Life and Science, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto
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| COMMENTS |
| Giulia Esposito |
Comment #103482 on June 20, 2025, 11:42 am |
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I am genuinely impressed by the thoughtful design and innovative approach demonstrated in Shellmine Kids, an exceptional tableware set that beautifully merges functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. The decision to employ eggshell biomass resin, not only addresses pressing global environmental concerns by significantly reducing petroleum-derived components and CO2 emissions, but also cleverly highlights the material's uniqueness through the engaging chick motif that effectively communicates the product's eco-friendly essence to consumers. Moreover, the meticulous attention to user-friendly features, informed by extensive research with parents, ensures practical benefits such as ease of handling, cleaning, and dishwasher compatibility, making the tableware set attractive and beneficial for everyday family use. Additionally, I deeply value the forward-thinking solution of creating detachable components that facilitate continued use beyond childhood, thereby promoting sustainability and longevity. The Shellmine Kids tableware set truly exemplifies outstanding design innovation and thoughtful environmental consciousness, and I applaud the exceptional creativity and dedication demonstrated by Yohei Murai.
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| Chloe Turner |
Comment #104168 on June 20, 2025, 5:25 pm |
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I am deeply impressed by the thoughtful approach and elegant execution demonstrated in Shellmine Kids, an exceptional tableware set that wonderfully combines sustainability with child-friendly design. The innovative use of eggshell plastic as a biomass resin is truly commendable, as the approach not only addresses critical environmental concerns but also sensitively considers the competitive realities of the market. The commitment to encouraging environmentally conscious choices through appealing aesthetics and functionality sets an admirable example within the category of Baby, Kids' and Children's Products Design. The careful consideration given to both material innovation and the challenges of consumer adoption has resulted in a product with meaningful impact and undeniable charm. This visionary work reflects a profound understanding of contemporary issues, and I am delighted to witness such excellence recognized with the prestigious A' Design Award, a recognition richly deserved by Yohei Murai.
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| Elisabeth Clark |
Comment #105163 on June 21, 2025, 1:44 am |
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I am truly delighted and inspired by Yohei Murai's innovative and thoughtful creation, Shellmine Kids, recognized by the prestigious A' Design Award in the category of Baby, Kids' and Children's Products Design; the clever integration of eggshell resin into the tableware set, coupled with a delightful chick motif that visibly represents the product's sustainable origins, exemplifies outstanding design thinking and environmental consciousness. The meticulous consideration given to practicality, such as creating shapes that are easily washable and dishwasher-friendly based on insights from over 120 parents, further underlines the exceptional care and sensitivity towards end-users. Furthermore, the thoughtful balance between ecological responsibility and user convenience, achieved by optimizing the use of biomass resin, highlights an admirable commitment to sustainability without compromising functionality or aesthetic appeal. I deeply appreciate Yohei Murai's dedication in addressing the growing environmental concerns through intelligent, intuitive design, and I am sincerely impressed by the impactful role Shellmine Kids plays in promoting informed consumer choices for a better, greener future.
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| Adam Harris |
Comment #105811 on June 21, 2025, 7:08 am |
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The Shellmine Kids tableware set is a truly commendable example of thoughtful and innovative design, skillfully blending aesthetic charm with meaningful sustainability. The clever choice of a chick motif to visibly highlight the eggshell resin composition not only creates visual appeal but also emphasizes the environmental values integral to the product. I deeply appreciate how the design team has conducted thorough research among parents, resulting in tableware that thoughtfully considers practical usability, such as ease of washing and dishwasher compatibility, while maintaining a commendable commitment to ecological responsibility. Additionally, the creative approach of making the product suitable for long-term use by designing removable components and ensuring ergonomic comfort for users of all ages demonstrates impressive foresight and sensitivity towards sustainability and waste reduction. My admiration extends further to the educational aspect of the product, thoughtfully designed to prompt valuable family conversations about environmental consciousness, ensuring that the design serves not only functional but also socially beneficial purposes; this remarkable achievement is undoubtedly deserving of the esteemed recognition provided by the A' Design Award.
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| Mark Allen |
Comment #106710 on June 21, 2025, 2:38 pm |
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The Shellmine Kids Tableware Set is a remarkable example of thoughtful and innovative design in the field of Baby, Kids' and Children's Products Design, beautifully combining environmental responsibility, functional ease, and aesthetic appeal in one elegant package. The clever use of eggshell resin, not only enhances the environmental sustainability of the product by significantly reducing carbon emissions and petroleum reliance, but also clearly communicates the material's unique properties through its charming chick motif. Moreover, the meticulous attention paid to consumer research, resulting in a user-friendly, dishwasher-compatible, and ergonomically designed product, further elevates the appeal and longevity of the Shellmine Kids Tableware Set, making the set an inspiring choice for both parents and children alike. The thoughtful consideration towards extending the product's life cycle beyond childhood usage is especially commendable, as it encourages responsible consumerism and fosters early environmental awareness among younger generations. Receiving the prestigious A' Design Award is indeed a fitting recognition of this outstanding contribution to sustainable and thoughtful children's tableware design.
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