Design Nest and Nuwa Circular Solutions · CLIENT: DesignNest
The Spiral Christmas Eco3 is the first artificial tree made entirely from 100 percent recyclable materials that is completely recyclable at the same time. Unlike traditional models that combine plastic and steel, this design features a patented spiral frame made from recycled, fire retardant pet plastic. It flat packs to reduce co2 emissions, assembles in under a minute, and includes USB-C powered lights with international plugs. Compact, sustainable, and easy to store, it offers a modern, planet friendly alternative to conventional holiday trees.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Each year, tons of plastic trees are disposed of and cannot be recycled, as the plastic branches are inseparably molded over steel wires. This design introduces a unique spiral mounting system to uphold plastic branches made from 100 percent recycled pet. The spiral integrates Christmas lighting, powered by a universal usb-c adapter to reduce electronic waste. It can be flat-packed to lower the co2 footprint and is easy to set up.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Tree dimensions: 800 x 800 x 1800mm
Packaging dimensions is 820 x 820 x 160mm
The tree can be made in various heights, from a table top Christmas tree to a tall 2.4m tree. - Tags
- Eco-tree, Sustainable Christmas tree, Designed for disassembly, End-of-life recycling, Universal USB-C Power Adapter, Waste Reduction, Spiral Tree, Integrated Christmas Light, Spiral Light, Flat-packed
- Production Technology
- The spiral and branches are made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable pet. The spiral integrates mounting hooks and is injection molded in one piece (patents pending). The plastic is sheet-extruded into long, thin layers, which are then cut into needle-like slices and rotation-wound into a garland. The garlands click into hooks with no extra parts, cutting production time from 50 to 15 minutes. Usb-c lighting includes a built-in chip with multiple modes for cost efficiency.
- Design Challenge
- Designing a unique artificial Christmas tree without steel, while maintaining the authentic look and feel of a traditional tree, was a significant challenge. Finding a collaborative manufacturing partner was also difficult due to the industry's conservative stance and reluctance to innovate. Several material trials failed in terms of strength, aesthetics, or fire safety. Ultimately, overcoming cost-related thresholds was essential to making the innovation viable for the market.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2023 in the Netherlands. The feasibility study, material research, structural research, structural engineering, 3D prototyping, pcb design, micro-chip development, mold design and testing continued in Shenzhen, China. Test-showcased to large international buyers in the Netherlands and later finalized again in Shenzhen, China.
- Operation Flow
- The Christmas Eco3 spirals into a cozy tree and is designed for full disassembly, allowing materials to be recycled, unlike traditional trees. It sets up in about a minute: drop the spiral onto the frame and enjoy the built-in lights with no untangling needed. It collapses into a compact, flat bundle, cutting co2 during shipping and saving storage space. Powered by usb-c, the adapter can be used year-round to charge other electronics. Fully recyclable plastic allows for easy disposal.
- Research
- Research focused on sustainability issues in artificial Christmas trees. Weye Hu led studies on plastic, recyclability and greenwashing practices in the industry. Brainstorm sessions with global designers and DesignNest led to feasibility studies and prototypes. Materials, engineering, tooling, and safety compliance (rohs, ce, flame retardant tests) were validated. Through desk, market, and field research, a safe, affordable, and 100 percent recyclable tree was developed.
- Inspiration
- The inspiration originated with Weye Hu, who observed the waste caused by non-recyclable artificial trees. DesignNest collaborated with experts to create a 100 percent recycled and recyclable pet spiral structure that holds branches without steel. Unlike pvc, which is harmful and non-recyclable, this tree uses newly developed fire-retardant recycled pet. It also features the first usb-c powered Christmas lighting system with global plug compatibility, reducing electronic waste.
- Image Credits
- Kim Thy
- Patents
- Patent pending numbers: 202520347920.4, 202530095868.3, China
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