Lampshades made from manure and recycled plastic receive positive response at TT Festival Assen

More than 130 visitors participated in the research. Around 90% indicated that municipalities and festivals should make greater use of circular lighting solutions. Confidence in the durability of the lampshades was also high: 87 respondents expected the products to withstand rough handling and everyday use.

That expectation was immediately put to the test. Throughout the festival, the lampshades were regularly dropped to the ground and exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, from extreme heat to a heavy rain shower on Saturday evening.

Visitors appreciated both the sustainable nature of the products and their design. The results demonstrate strong public support for circular solutions in public spaces. Insights from the trial will be used to further develop not only the lampshades but also additional circular products for use in public environments.

On 30 June, RTV Drenthe visited the NHL Stenden lab in Emmen. During a live broadcast, Corinne van Noordenne, researcher at the professorship Circular Plastics, discussed the field trial at the TT Festival and shared the first results.

Next Steps

Researchers will now analyse the data collected during the festival. Following the success of the lampshades, the project will continue with the development of new circular products.

As part of the Plastic Bewust project, NHL Stenden is working together with WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo Emmen, the Municipality of Emmen, Facet, Rensenlab, the University of Groningen, the Knowledge Centre for Biobased Economy at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Greenwise Campus to develop innovative applications using recycled and biobased materials.