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Brighton sustainable design studio gomi transforms unwanted Barbie dolls into tech products
Overview
Tom Meades, a University of Brighton graduate and co-founder of the sustainable design studio gomi, has launched the Childhood Memories Collection in collaboration with Mattel's Barbie brand. The initiative turns unwanted Barbie and Ken dolls and accessories into marbled Bluetooth speakers, power banks, and tracker tags alongside hard-to-recycle plastic waste. The tech products prioritise repairability and longevity, using repurposed e-bike batteries and screws rather than glue, while gomi offers trade-in, repair, and upgrade services.
Key points
- Brighton design studio gomi has launched the Childhood Memories Collection using materials from unwanted Barbie and Ken dolls.
- The collaboration with Mattel transforms doll and accessory materials into Bluetooth speakers, power banks, and tracker tags.
- Each product features a marbled design combining the recovered doll materials with other hard-to-recycle plastic waste.
- The speakers and power banks use repurposed e-bike batteries and are assembled with screws to allow for easier repair and part replacement.
- Studio co-founder Tom Meades graduated with a 3D design and craft degree from the University of Brighton in 2017.
- The studio aims to highlight plastic waste and product longevity, offering trade-in, repair, and upgrading services.