How the brief was fulfilled

The Zero Waste Collection employs innovation and collaboration to recycle scrap acrylic, crafting a beautiful series of one-of-a-kind zero-waste objects.

The collection uses materials destined for landfill, promoting sustainability and ecofriendliness in the fashion industry through innovative recycling.

Acrylic, a type of plastic, generates significant waste when cut, often ending up in landfills. In our pursuit of sustainability, we explored eco artists are makers internationally to explore innovative solutions. We learned how to shred, heat, and repress acrylic into new sheets, creating a circular material cycle. This process allows for repeated cutting without accumulating waste. The outcome showcases diverse patterns and colours, adding unique character to our collection.

This process of recycling has never been done before by an Irish jewellery company. The process is relatively lo-fi and costs very little making it easier to roll out to other institutions and colleges.

Company information
Shock of Grey is an Award winning Statement Jewellery business which launched in 2020.
With sustainability as a key focus, each piece is handcrafted in Dublin using FSC certified wood, low emissions paint & 100% recycled boxes. Four years in, pieces are stocked in over 50 stockists in Ireland, UK, USA, Germany & Canada including the Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and IMMA in Dublin. In 2023 she became part of EI’s High Potential Start up Unit after gaining investors.

Shock of Grey’s collection has garnered significant attention across various media platforms, including magazines & TV. This widespread exposure highlights the brand’s growing influence and the impact of its distinctive, sustainable designs.

This year she is developing her workshops (Culture Night, IMMA, Earth Rising festival, Electric Picnic), industry collaboration & development with Dublin Independent Fashion week and NCAD to develop new eco materials and expansion of her products to homewares.

Collection / Design
Launched April 2024
Manufactured in Dublin & Leeds, Materials chipped, repressed and recut.

The Zero Waste Collection exemplifies innovation and collaboration in recycling scrap acrylic into a stunning array of unique, one-of-a-kind objects. The process begins with offcuts, which are meticulously chipped and heat-pressed. This method transforms the scraps into new forms, which are then re-cut to create distinctive and vibrant colour palettes. Each piece in the collection features a blend of these repurposed materials, showcasing a harmonious fusion of hues and textures that reflect both creativity and sustainability. This approach not only minimises waste but also demonstrates how discarded materials can be transformed into beautiful and functional art.