Recycling badminton shuttlecocks may seem anecdotal, but it is nevertheless a very relevant initiative:

Badminton generates a lot of waste: a shuttlecock can be out of use after just a few sporting exchanges! And since the shuttlecock is a composite of feathers, cork and glue, it can't be recycled at all, adding to the mountain of landfill and incinerated waste. In France alone, an estimated 40 tonnes of feather and cork shuttlecocks are recycled every year!

The history of materials therefore begins with the creation of a collection system, with boxes made available to clubs and major sports brands to collect these used steering wheels.

Once recovered, the flywheels are ground and mixed with an acrylic mineral resin, then shaped in press molds.

Depending on the size of the grind and the percentage of resin, the material can be used in a variety of ways, from acoustic wall cladding panels to furniture and fittings.

At Boutures, we've explored the use of this original material to create volume objects, including 2 luminaires: the Sepalum lamp/suspension and the bespoke lampshades for The Usual.

A use designed to last and extend the use of the steering wheels for many years!

The resin is solvent-free, and is cold transformed, so the process is not very energy-intensive to create these materials.

A beautiful example of circular design, a sustainable material made in France that tells a story, and that offers us an original aesthetic!