Few would disagree that bold thinking and a fair amount of courage are needed to change the way that products are designed and produced today if we are to save our planet. SECCO, a Finnish design company with a conscience, seem determined to lead by example. At SECCO´s workshop and headquarters in Jyväskylä, tyre inner tubes are turned into handbags, washing machine drums into stylish bowls, computer keys into jewellery and seatbelts into bags. By combining funky materials with clever design to create functional products that are built to last, Secco are proving that the ever-growing stream of waste material can increasingly serve as the basis for new products without further exploiting our planets resources.
The raw materials that Secco use are acquired from various waste collection and recycling companies. Many of which are social enterprises that strive to employ long-term unemployed, people with disabilities or the latest immigrants to Finland. All of these companies also participate in Secco’s product development and material processing experiments. Every stage of production is carried out in the most ecologically sustainable way and all of Secco’s products are predominantly handmade. Take a look below to read more and to see some of our favorites from Secco’s current range:
SECCO was born out of a desire to bring together innovative designers, material collectors and recyclers. The result has been the creation of an enthusiastic group of people who give new purpose to post-consumer and industrial waste material by transforming it into funky high quality design products. The company’s core team consists of Maarit Partanen managing director and customer relations, Isabella Haas creative director, Riikka Salo production, Marja Pinomäki administration and Roosa Tulvio sales.
“When we discovered the growing waste mountains, we decided to change something. In our new community the game we play is: sustainable lifestyle. Making a serious statement has never been so much fun! Caring for the environment took us on an adventurous journey. We brought you some cool souvenirs, the Treasures of Wasteland.”
Rub-A-Dub Briefcase designed by Miia Kylmänen made from used tractor tyre inner tube (rubber).
Qwerty Phone Strap designed by SECCO made from used computer, cashier or type-writer keypad buttons
Qwerty Notebook, in sizes A5 and A6 with sewn plastic sheet cover with pocket, designed by Sasha Huber made from used computer keyboard circuit plastic sheets, recycled paper and cardboard
Nice Mice Hot Pot Stand designed by TDM-Wien made from used computer ventilation grill and mouse balls
PCBeasts Animal Magnet designed by Niko Räty made from unusable or used circuit board,
Handy mobile phone decoration strap designed by TDM-Wien/Sarfraz Ahmad made from used mobile phone keypad buttons
Carry The Song vinyl bracelet designed by Scott Elliott and Virpi Velin made from used vinyl records and Safety shoulder bag designed by Päivi Niemi made from used car seatbelt
Supporters of Secco can get involved to do their bit to help the planet by either becoming a Wasteland Citizen or by attending an Adventures in Wasteland Workshop.
In addition to their own collection, Secco’s flagship store in the center of Helsinki also sells Evolum glassware, Globe Hope clothes and accessories, jewellery from Sweden, fashion from MILCH/Austria and Lopeti Etu/New York, Mirka Tuovinen's collection, Grenius bags, Clare Goddard's postcards, Ahdi Nugraha's rice bag lamps and Michelle Brand's lamps and eco-cards.
SECCO
Flagship Store
Fredrikinkatu 33, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Mon-Fri 11-18 Sat 11-16
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