Spared®: Bespoke Materials from Waste | Sustainable Design FAQs
We get a lot of brilliant questions about how we turn waste into beautiful, bespoke materials and products. Here you’ll find answers about our process, what we make, how we collaborate, and what’s possible. Still curious? Get in touch.
1. How does working with Spared help reduce waste?
Every project we take on diverts waste from landfill and gives it a second life. But it’s not just about reuse – it’s about redesign. We challenge throwaway thinking by creating modern heirlooms: pieces made with care, designed to last, and built from materials that tell a story. Some of the waste we use is industrial, some post-consumer – but all of it is reimagined into something purposeful. Whether it’s a table made from building site offcuts or an award cast from fishing nets, every product is proof that waste can be wonderful.
2. How circular are your materials?
Our aim is always to design with circular principles in mind — that means using waste as our starting point, and creating pieces that are built to last, repair, or reuse. Some of our materials can be recycled again at end-of-life, especially our 100% plastic composites. Others, like those made with natural binders or mixed waste, aren’t currently closed-loop — but they’re still diverting valuable resources from landfill and replacing virgin materials. Circularity isn’t just about technical recycling — it’s also about designing for longevity, modularity, and meaning. We’re constantly experimenting to improve that loop.
3. What do you use to bind the waste together?
It depends on the material. Sometimes we use mineral-based systems, other times we use bio-resins—always chosen for their performance and environmental profile. And sometimes we don’t require a binder at all.
We’ve spent years refining the way we combine waste with these binders to make sure our composites are both beautiful and built to last.
4. Can I choose what goes into my product?
Yes—if you have specific goals around sustainability, ingredients, or colour, we’re always happy to talk through options.
Some of our composites are made entirely from a single waste stream, while others require a binder for structure. We’ll be transparent about what’s possible and help you make the right choice for your project.
5. Do you offer sustainability certifications or carbon data?
Because our work is bespoke and made in small batches, we don’t currently provide standardised carbon data or certifications.
However, we’re working with sustainability partners to develop a clearer framework for measuring impact—and in the meantime, we’re committed to full transparency around materials, sourcing, and process.
6. What kinds of products have you designed using waste materials?
Our work ranges from statement furniture and sculptural art to surfaces, awards, and interior details like wall panels, tabletops, and decorative objects. We don’t sell materials off the shelf – we design and make bespoke pieces that respond to your space, your brand, and your story. If you’re after inspiration, take a look at our projects to see what waste can become.
7. What if I don’t have waste materials?
Where possible, we encourage our clients to use their own waste — it’s more meaningful, more circular, and often leads to the most compelling outcomes. But if that’s not an option, we’ve built up a network of waste streams here in the UK that we can draw from. We also offer a free consultation to explore any overlooked materials you might already be producing — from packaging offcuts to obsolete stock. You might have more waste than you think.
8. Where are Spared products made?
All our pieces are proudly made in the UK. Most of our work is crafted in our collaborative workshop in Brighton, with support from our two other partner workshop locations in the SouthEast. Every piece is handmade, finished with care, and produced to order.
9. Do you make a sheet material?
Not as a standard product. Unlike some suppliers, we don’t offer off-the-shelf sheet materials — everything we do is made to order and designed with a purpose. We create custom forms, finishes and colours to suit your space, whether that’s a surface, sculptural object, or piece of furniture. If you’re after something specific, let us know — we might be able to create a bespoke alternative.
10. Is there maintenance involved?
All materials need a little care over time. Before we make anything, we’ll talk with you about how the piece will be used and what level of durability is required. Some finishes may need re-sealing every 6–12 months to keep them looking their best. Once your piece is made, we’ll send you a care guide specific to the material, so you know exactly how to maintain it.
11. What types of waste can be used?
We’re on a mission to turn as many waste streams as possible into beautiful, long-lasting products. So far, we’ve worked with plastics, shells, masonry, granite, cork, paper, food waste (coffee, tea, eggshells), electrical wires, fishing nets – even old CDs. If you’ve got a material in mind that’s not on the list, get in touch. We love a challenge – and we’re always expanding what’s possible.
See how we’ve used different types of waste in our projects →
12. What % of recycled material is in the final design?
As each commission is bespoke, the % varies greatly. For example, our 3-d printed waste objects can be up to 100% from waste and 100% recyclable. On the other hand, our composite materials are generally comprised of between 30-50% waste.
13. How much does it cost?
Each project is POA as each project is bespoke, but we can provide costs for tabletops and plinths for you in our core materials. Drop us a line to discuss your project goals.
14. Do you have any off-the-shelf pieces for sale?
All of our pieces are made to order — we do this to ensure each one is unique to you, and just as importantly, to avoid creating excess waste or storing unsold products. That said, we sometimes have prototypes or leftover materials from larger projects, and we occasionally release one-off pieces or small batches. If you’re looking for something specific, get in touch — we might have just the thing (or be able to make it for you).
15. What sealants do you use on your pieces?
It depends on the material and where the piece will live. We typically use an eco coconut wax as our standard finish, but for high-traffic or commercial settings, we’ll work with you to select a sealant that suits your needs. It’s all part of the design process — beauty, durability, and sustainability go hand in hand.
16. What colour options are available?
Everything we make is bespoke — so the short answer is, almost anything. We can match RAL or Pantone colours, involve your brand colours in the palette, or develop something completely unique just for you. That said, part of the beauty of our process is that it’s handcrafted using organic or variable waste streams — so while we can match closely, there may be slight variation in tone or texture. We see this not as a flaw, but as a mark of authenticity — each piece is genuinely one of a kind.
17. What is your typical lead time?
Lead times vary depending on the scale and complexity of your project. Drop us a line with a bit of detail and we’ll get back to you with a realistic timeline. We’re a small, hands-on team — so we’ll always be honest about what’s possible and when.
18. Are your materials suitable for outdoor use?
It depends on the specific material and how it’s made. Some of our composites – especially those made from 100% plastic – can be suitable for outdoor use. However, many of our materials include natural binders or organic waste streams that haven’t been tested in outdoor conditions. If you’re looking for something weather-resistant, let us know early on – we’ll advise on the right mix for durability, or recommend an alternative waste stream if needed.
19. What’s your design and collaboration process like?
Every project starts with a conversation — and usually, some curiosity. Whether you come to us with a material challenge, a sketch, or a full-blown brief, we’ll work with you to explore what’s possible. We collaborate closely with designers, architects and brands to co-create purposeful pieces from waste. That might mean developing a new material, reimagining your own waste stream, or prototyping sculptural forms.
Learn more about how we collaborate with designers →
20. Who is Volume Creative, and how do Volume and Spared work together?
Volume Creative is our sister company — a design studio specialising in interiors, creative direction and brand storytelling. Spared was born out of Volume’s desire to make things more sustainably, using waste as a starting point rather than an afterthought. We still work closely together, especially on larger hospitality and retail projects, combining Volume’s creative strategy with Spared’s material experimentation and making. Together, we offer a joined-up approach — from concept to crafted outcome.
