A vacuum cleaner made from cardboard has been shortlisted for the 2012 International Design Excellence Awards, which will be held in Boston, USA, from May 2-4.
The cardboard vacuum cleaner, known as the Vax Ev, was designed by Jake Tyler, a design student at Loughborough University in the UK, while he was on a work placement scheme at Vax.
The vacuum cleaner itself is built from cardboard and sustainable materials which are both recycled and recyclable in a bid to make vacuum cleaners more sustainable and reduce the amount of associated landfill waste. The flame-retardant corrugated cardboard panels that form the body of the vacuum cleaner are also used as part of the products box and then assembled around the machine’s motor without the need for glue. These panels can be replaced should they get damaged and, should users wish, they can customize their vacuum cleaner by drawing on the panels. The Vax Ev is currently a fully functioning prototype.
The sustainable and innovative design of the Vax Ev caught the eye of the jury of the prestigious International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), who shortlisted the product for this year’s awards. IDEA is an annual competition hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America and rewarding innovative design across numerous categories from designers around the world.
For the first time in 2011 IDEA introduced the Responsibility Awards, honoring designs that promote ecological, corporate and social responsibility. Designs bestowed with this award included PUMA’s Clever Little Bag, a carrying device which eliminates the need for plastic bags; Chilote House Shoes, which are made from up-cycled salmon leather, and Splash! How Good Water Works, a interactive exhibition promoting responsible water usage.
Last year’s winners of the Best in Show award included the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Windows 7 Phone, and furniture company Bespoke Fairings.
