Italian designer Matteo Cibic unveiled ‘Circular Trees’ during Italian Design Week in South Africa, promoting sustainability by recovering metals from electronic waste. This project links Italian high-fashion industries with South African enterprises, mirroring successful initiatives in Italy. The installation serves to raise awareness and foster employment opportunities in local communities, ultimately enhancing their living conditions.
The recent Italian Design Week featured a notable project by Italian designer Matteo Cibic, who serves as Ambassador for Italian Design 2025. In partnership with the Italian Consulate in Cape Town and the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria, he introduced a transmedia installation titled ‘Circular Trees.’ This installation examines the concept of ‘Contemporary Alchemy,’ focusing on technological advancements that recover valuable metals from electronic waste.
This initiative exemplifies the collaboration between Italy and South Africa, combining efforts from entities engaged in sustainability and innovation. In conjunction with Holding LEM Industries Spa and its South African subsidiary, Cape Refining, the project aims to foster dialogues for implementing circular economy strategies reminiscent of those enacted in Italy. These strategies involve extracting precious metals from electronic waste, paralleling the recent launch of a hydrometallurgical plant by Valdarno Ambiente in Tuscany.
The ‘Circular Trees’ installation symbolizes the transformative potential of this recovery process, incorporating sculptures crafted from reclaimed gold and palladium. These works illustrate trees featuring trunks and branches formed from electronic components, yielding life-sustaining elements. Moreover, the project is poised to enhance local communities in South Africa by generating employment opportunities and improving living conditions in the regions affected by these ecological initiatives.
The collaboration between Italy and South Africa, exemplified by the ‘Circular Trees’ project, highlights the importance of sustainable innovation in addressing environmental issues. Through the recovery of valuable materials from electronic waste, this initiative not only promotes environmental stewardship but also provides socio-economic benefits to local communities, underscoring the potential of circular economy practices.
Original Source: ansabrasil.com.br
