Addressing the problem of food waste with 3D printed clay containers

During the lockdown caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Lea Randebrock did not waste time on despair but was busy making her contribution to a more sustainable way of life. The young designer wanted to address the problem of food waste, so she created 3D printed clay containers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for a longer time. It’s a remarkable achievement as Randebrock did not have access to many resources during the lockdown, but a 3D printer and just enough material made it possible for the The Clay Pantry project to be born.

Lea Randebrock is a Finnish-German designer, who studied furniture design in Finland and is now studying at the Royal College of Art in London. Inspired by traditional manufacturing techniques and materials from all over the world, she creates designs with the aim to challenge the perception of material and shape. High in her priorities is the rethinking of how products are made and used in the context of sustainability.

All image credits: Lea Randebrock

The eco-friendly containers were 3D printed with clay, or more precisely, with a porous terracotta material. This particular material enables the objects to cool through evaporation of water. Therefore, in a way, the 3D printed clay containers act like plants in that they need to be watered in order to fully function. For instance, one of the designs, the Tempered Box, provides a cool humid climate regardless of whether it is inside or outside the fridge.