A student at Loughborough University, Jake Tyler, has created the world’s first cardboard vacuum cleaner, called the Vax Ev. This innovative product has been developed in conjunction with vacuum cleaner manufacturer Vax, aiming to revolutionize the way we think about household appliances and their environmental impact.
Jake Tyler developed the Vax Ev for his final year degree project. Recognizing the growing concern over environmental sustainability, Tyler sought to create a vacuum cleaner that would not only perform well but also minimize environmental harm. Vax, impressed by the concept and its potential, decided to support the project and will be releasing a limited production run of this cardboard vacuum cleaner. The Vax Ev is designed to be more environmentally friendly than current vacuum cleaners, addressing the pressing need for sustainable consumer products.
Design and Sustainability
The Vax Ev is a high-performance vacuum cleaner constructed for optimum sustainability, using recycled and recyclable materials that reduce the burden on landfill. The corrugated cardboard panels that form the body of the Vax Ev are easily replaced if damaged and cost just a tenth of the price of an equivalent plastic panel. They are multi-purpose too, beginning their life as part of the retail box the vacuum cleaner is sold in. Once the cardboard parts are separated from the box, they ‘pop’ into place around the motor housing, without any need for glue.
The design of the Vax Ev is not only innovative but also practical. The use of corrugated cardboard makes the vacuum cleaner lightweight and easy to handle. The cardboard panels are designed to be durable enough for regular use, yet they can be replaced easily and inexpensively if they become damaged. This feature ensures that the vacuum cleaner has a longer lifespan compared to traditional models, which often end up in landfills when their plastic parts break.
Performance and Practicality
The Vax Ev is designed to deliver high performance, comparable to conventional vacuum cleaners. It features a powerful motor that ensures efficient cleaning, making it suitable for various types of flooring and household cleaning tasks. Despite its unconventional construction, the Vax Ev does not compromise on functionality.
One of the key advantages of the Vax Ev is its environmental impact. Traditional vacuum cleaners are typically made from plastic and other non-recyclable materials, contributing to environmental pollution. In contrast, the Vax Ev’s use of recycled and recyclable materials significantly reduces its carbon footprint. This makes it an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their household waste.
It certainly looks like a clever idea, although we are not sure how long it would actually last. Presumably, the cardboard parts would be cheap enough so that they could be replaced easily. This aspect of the Vax Ev addresses a common concern with sustainable products: durability. By making replacement parts affordable and accessible, the Vax Ev ensures that users can maintain their vacuum cleaner without incurring high costs or contributing to landfill waste.
The Vax Ev represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable household appliances. It challenges the traditional design and materials used in vacuum cleaners, offering a viable alternative that aligns with modern environmental values. As more consumers become aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, innovations like the Vax Ev are likely to gain popularity and drive further advancements in sustainable product design.
Source Gizmodo
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