In the world of luxury and retail design, the need to balance sustainability with beauty has long been a challenge. However, a Netherlands company, Aectual is demonstrating that stunning aesthetics and a commitment to environmental responsibility can coexist seamlessly, thanks to their revolutionary 3D printing robot and recycling model. Recently, Aectual’s innovative efforts were recognized when they won the prestigious LVMH Greentech Award—highlighting their groundbreaking contributions towards a sustainable future in luxury.
Aectual: Pioneering Circular Design Through 3D Printing
Aectual is leading the way in sustainable 3D printing technology, crafting visually striking store facades, installations and office furnitures while incorporating a unique, fully circular production approach. Their process uses recycled materials to 3D print architectural pieces, which can then be shredded and reprinted into entirely new designs when they are no longer needed. This closed-loop recycling model allows for endless reincarnations of their products, drastically minimizing waste and ensuring that the impact on the environment remains minimal.
Traditional retail design typically involves using new raw materials, leading to significant waste with each store refresh. By collaborating with industrial partners, Aectual sources high-quality recycled materials, which are then adapted for 3D printing.
Tiffany & Co.'s Pop-Up Store at Singapore Changi Airport
A standout example of Aectual's work is their collaboration with Tiffany & Co. at Singapore's Changi Airport. For this project, Tiffany partnered with MVRDV and Aectual to create a stunning store facade that captures the elegance and luxury of the brand while incorporating sustainable practices. 3D printing experts Aectual developed a process to produce the 50-millimetre-thick screen using recycled plastic, including reclaimed and recycled fishing nets.
At the end of its use, the materials used for the Tiffany installation can be shredded and repurposed for future projects, showing how Aectual’s circular approach extends the lifecycle of materials far beyond the initial application. This level of sustainability makes the store's seasonal updates more environmentally friendly, transforming how temporary installations are approached in retail.
