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The Humble Dustbin Hasn’t Changed in a Century. Until Now.

I don’t think we’ve really done much innovation to the dustbin beyond the pedal-activated lid. Sure, you could say that those robot vacuums that automatically dump their waste in the dustbin are pretty incredible, but the pedal-lid bin (which was invented in the 1920s) is still probably the pinnacle of innovation within the dustbin’s design… globally speaking. That’s until the Pulli Bin was invented.

The Pulli Bin addresses a simple problem – nobody likes lifting a full garbage bag out of the bin. It’s always risky, and you stand the chance of the bag’s bottom blowing open if you pull the bag out too fast. The solution? Switch the action from pulling to sliding. Instead of pulling the bag upwards, the folks at Pulli just created a front-facing door that lets you swing the bag out without lifting it up. It’s simple, but it does two things – eliminates the risk of garbage all over your kitchen floor, and also makes it easier for people with mobility issues to dispose of their garbage. Cool, eh?

Designer: Pulli

“Pulli Bin was created to make trash removal effortless. By studying how people of all abilities interact with traditional trash cans, the Pulli team uncovered a fundamental flaw: lifting full trash bags creates strain and often leads to tearing. Pulli Bin reimagines this experience with dual front-opening doors that open outwards, eliminating the need for upward lifting and setting a new standard for ease and usability”, says the Pulli team.

The redesign is outwardly simple, but has a fairly complicated execution. The trash can now has multiple moving parts, from the two-part lid to the doors on the front that now open to allow you to slide out the bag with the trash. The trash can now also adopts a trapezoidal cross section, allowing for the bag to easily slide out without grazing against the sides or without being trapped if it gets too full. The entire process took 3 years, culminating in a trash can that Pulli’s design team believes is the next greatest innovation after the simple pedal-powered trash lid.

The post The Humble Dustbin Hasn’t Changed in a Century. Until Now. first appeared on Yanko Design.

5 Things Made From Rice That Are Stronger Than Wood (Seriously)

Rice waste, often discarded after harvest, is emerging as one of the most eco-friendly resources with numerous applications. From producing biochar for improving soil fertility to creating sustainable nanomaterials and biodegradable packaging, rice waste is transforming industries. Studies indicate that the global rice production yields over 750 million tons of grain each year, generating approximately 150 million tons of rice husks as byproduct.

By reimagining this abundant agricultural byproduct, we can minimize environmental pollution, decrease carbon footprints, and foster sustainable development through innovative circular economy solutions applied across diverse industries. Some of the diverse applications of Rice husk include:

1. Furniture Design

Rice husk is being used in furniture design as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood. As a byproduct of rice production, it is abundant, renewable, and helps reduce reliance on timber, contributing to lower deforestation rates. When processed into boards or composites, rice husk offers excellent durability and resistance to termites, moisture, and fire.

Its versatility allows it to be molded, shaped, and even used in 3D printing for customized furniture pieces. Rice husk-based materials are not only practical and long-lasting but also support innovative design possibilities, making them a smart choice for modern, environmentally conscious furniture manufacturing.

Crafted from agricultural waste, this innovative reading stool reimagines sustainability through design. Inspired by the form and texture of rice husks, the stool features a sculptural, bionic silhouette with a rounded seat and cylindrical base that evokes natural harmony. The seat surface is braided straw, offering breathability and rustic charm, while the cushion is formed using rice husk blended with carbon and shaped through perfusion molding. Straw detailing at the base completes the eco-conscious aesthetic.

More than just a statement piece, the stool is a thoughtful exploration of how design and environmental responsibility can coexist. While its backless structure may not suit extended reading marathons, it’s ideal for short sessions or as an accent piece in a modern, earthy interior.

2. Tabletop Accessories

Rice husks are gaining popularity in creating home décor and tabletop accessories as an alternative to traditional materials like plastic and wood. When mixed with natural binders, rice husk powder can be molded into plates, bowls, cutlery, trays, and coasters that are lightweight, durable, heat-resistant, and biodegradable, making them practical and eco-friendly. These items often showcase a rustic charm that aligns with natural, eco-conscious aesthetics.

In addition to tableware, rice husks are also used in plant pots, insulation panels, furniture elements, and decorative pieces. Their strength, moisture resistance, and compostability support a wide range of green design applications.

The Third Size is an eco-conscious tissue box concept made from rice straw, a byproduct of rice farming that’s often discarded or burned. This biodegradable and recyclable box is designed to reduce material and packaging waste. It features a multi-size opening system, allowing users to pull tissues of varying sizes depending on their needs, whether for wiping hands, cleaning a surface, or bathroom use. The clever design eliminates the need for multiple tissue boxes, promoting minimalism and efficiency.

Beyond its functionality, the box is durable enough for repeated use and can even serve as a storage container once the tissues are used up. Both the tissue paper and its housing are crafted from sustainable rice straw, addressing two waste streams at once. This makes The Third Size not just a hygiene essential but also a smart, environmentally friendly household item that blends utility with sustainability in a stylish and thoughtful form.

3. Kitchen Utensils

Rice husks, the outer layer of rice grains, are being repurposed into eco-friendly kitchenware as a sustainable alternative to plastic. After cleaning and grinding, the husks are mixed with natural binders like lignin and plant starches, then molded under heat and pressure into plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. The resulting products are durable, lightweight, heat-resistant, and biodegradable, with a natural, rustic appearance.

These utensils not only reduce plastic waste but also support a circular economy, as they can be composted at the end of their life. Using rice husk kitchenware offers practical, stylish options for everyday use.

Yootensel is a sustainable kitchen utensil set designed by François Hurtaud, highlighting the innovative use of rice as a key material. The collection includes a kitchen knife and a vegetable peeler, both featuring stainless steel blades paired with eco-friendly handles. These handles are crafted from a composite made using rice combined with agricultural waste, offering a biodegradable and recyclable alternative to conventional plastic or metal. In this design, rice acts as a natural binding agent, transforming food industry byproducts into a durable and functional material.

The rice-based composite forms two panels that enclose the blade’s base, locking into grooves to create a sturdy, ergonomic handle. This design ensures a comfortable grip while evenly distributing pressure during use, preventing the blade from bending or snapping. By placing rice at the heart of the material innovation, Yootensel demonstrates how everyday kitchen tools can embrace sustainability without compromising performance or aesthetics.

4. Sustainable Packaging

Rice husk is also being used in sustainable packaging as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. It can be processed into biodegradable containers by mixing with natural binders, creating lightweight, compostable packaging ideal for food and retail use. These materials reduce plastic waste and are safe, affordable, and effective for consumers.

Additionally, rice husks are used in plastic composites like Oryzite, paper-like materials, and antimicrobial films when combined with cornstarch or bagasse. Even rice husk ash finds use in boards and concrete. These innovations support a circular economy and lower environmental impact across multiple industries.

This innovative packaging for Srisangdao rice blends sustainability with storytelling. Made from rice chaff, a natural byproduct of husking, the box honors the organic farming practices of Thailand’s Thung Kula Ronghai region. Its clean, sculptural form features an oversized embossed rice grain as the central design, complemented by subtle wave patterns and fine detailing of the rice plant in full bloom. The logo of the rice mill is burned stamped onto the surface, adding a handcrafted, regional identity. Inside, the rice is packed in a miniature sack that mirrors traditional packaging, creating a nostalgic yet modern presentation.

What makes this design truly special is its second life as a reusable tissue box. Once the rice has been consumed, the durable, biodegradable box can serve a practical purpose in the home, extending its value and reducing waste. Fully recyclable and produced with minimal environmental impact, this thoughtful design reflects a creative and conscious approach to the product lifecycle.

5. Children’s Toys

Rice husks are also being used to create eco-friendly children’s toys like building blocks and stacking games. Made from bio-based plastic derived from rice husks, these toys are lightweight and strong.

Designed with safety in mind, rice husk toys feature rounded edges and are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for young children. They encourage creativity and learning, offering a fun, educational, and environmentally conscious play experience.

Rice Husk Village is a modular toy set made entirely from discarded rice husk waste, designed to transform agricultural byproducts into sustainable, compostable play. The set includes molded rice husk blocks in three distinct building shapes, allowing children to construct varied landscapes from compact villages to bustling city skylines. Additional pieces like trees, stairs, and a four-legged bridge add depth and creativity, encouraging imaginative and open-ended play. The biodegradable material is durable yet safe, making it ideal for young children.

The set also includes a balance tray that turns the building activity into an interactive game. Players build their villages atop the tray, and if the structure tips, the last person to place a block loses, similar to Jenga. This playful mechanic teaches balance, patience, and cooperation, all while introducing eco-conscious values.

Harnessing rice waste offers significant environmental and economic benefits, turning a common agricultural residue into valuable resources. Despite challenges in processing and consistency, embracing sustainable technologies can transform rice waste into a key driver of circular economies and eco-friendly innovations for a greener future.

The post 5 Things Made From Rice That Are Stronger Than Wood (Seriously) first appeared on Yanko Design.

Great Designers Steal: Benjamin Hubert on the Art of Creative Remixing

Yanko Design’s commitment to exploring the minds that shape our world has just taken on a new dimension. With the launch of their new podcast, “Design Mindset,” YD is bringing weekly conversations with some of the most influential names in design, innovation, and creativity directly to their audience. Each episode offers not just inspiration, but real strategies and honest stories about the creative journey, perfect for designers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who’s ever wondered how great ideas come to life. The show premieres every Friday, adding a fresh layer to YD’s coverage of the global design landscape.

Episode 7 in this series is an insightful interview with Benjamin Hubert, the founder and creative force behind the acclaimed British studio LAYER. Known for his holistic approach to product, furniture, and experience design, Benjamin’s work spans collaborations with global brands and has redefined what it means to borrow and build upon design ideas. In this first episode of “Design Mindset,” Benjamin discusses the importance of borrowing wisely, building a unique studio culture, and why constraints often lead to the best creative breakthroughs.

The Art of Creative Theft: Why Great Designers Are Strategic Borrowers

Benjamin Hubert doesn’t shy away from the topic of influence in design, instead advocating for a transparent, respectful approach to borrowing ideas. He says, “In design, everything is essentially a remix. The important thing is to understand the origin of the ideas you’re working with and to build upon them in a way that’s authentic and respectful.” For Hubert, the difference between imitation and innovation is intent and the ability to push ideas beyond their reference points. This perspective challenges the often-romanticized notion of the lone creative genius, embracing design as a collaborative evolution of ideas across time and culture.

What sets successful designers apart is their skill in synthesizing influences intelligently. Hubert emphasizes that the best designers remix, adapt, and evolve existing concepts. “You need to know why something works, not just that it does,” Benjamin explains. “It’s about learning from the past but not being limited by it.” This approach requires both historical knowledge and forward-thinking vision, allowing designers to honor their influences while pushing boundaries. At LAYER, this philosophy translates into a research-heavy process where understanding precedents becomes the foundation for innovative leaps, ensuring that every borrowed element serves a greater creative purpose.

Beyond Data: How LAYER Balances Research with Creative Instinct

At LAYER, research forms the backbone of the design process, and it’s always coupled with a healthy dose of intuition. The studio’s approach challenges the false dichotomy between analytical thinking and creative inspiration, treating them as complementary forces. “We do a lot of research, but there’s a moment where you have to trust your gut,” Benjamin shares. The team dives deep into user behavior, material science, and emerging trends, and the creative leap that sets a project apart often comes from an instinctual response to the brief. This balance prevents the studio from falling into either the trap of over-intellectualizing design or relying purely on aesthetic whims.

Purely data-driven design, according to Hubert, can lead to predictable outcomes that lack soul and surprise. “If you rely solely on data, you’ll make safe and predictable things. Intuition is what gives a project its edge,” he notes. This philosophy has shaped how LAYER approaches client relationships and project development, encouraging calculated risks and creative leaps that push beyond what market research might suggest. The studio’s success lies in knowing when to follow the data and when to trust the creative instinct that comes from years of design experience and deep understanding of human behavior.

Building Creative Obsession: Inside LAYER’s High-Energy Studio Culture

Building a design studio requires more than assembling talented people; it’s about crafting a culture where creativity can thrive under pressure and passion. Hubert is refreshingly candid about the atmosphere at LAYER: “We’re not a nine-to-five kind of place. We’re obsessed, and that’s intentional.” This focuses on cultivating a team that genuinely loves what they do and pushes each other to excel. The studio culture is built around shared obsession with good design, where late nights spent refining concepts become opportunities to perfect something meaningful.

Central to this environment is a culture of constructive critique and ego-free collaboration. “There are no egos here,” Hubert explains. “We encourage everyone to challenge each other, and the work gets better because of it.” This collaborative, high-energy environment is designed to push boundaries and keep the team hungry for new ideas. It’s a delicate balance that requires hiring for skill, attitude, and cultural fit. The result is a studio where junior designers feel empowered to challenge senior staff, where ideas are judged on merit, and where the collective pursuit of excellence takes precedence over individual recognition. This culture has become LAYER’s competitive advantage in an industry often plagued by creative politics and territorial behavior.

Why Limitations Spark Genius: Embracing Constraints as Creative Fuel

Constraints represent one of design’s most powerful and underappreciated tools, according to Hubert. “The best ideas come from having clear boundaries, whether that’s time, budget, or material limitations,” he argues. This counterintuitive approach flies in the face of the common belief that creativity requires complete freedom. Hubert has observed that unlimited resources and open-ended briefs often lead to creative paralysis, while tight constraints force rapid decision-making and innovative problem-solving. At LAYER, constraints become creative catalysts that push the team toward unexpected solutions.

Constraints force designers to prioritize, simplify, and think resourcefully in ways that often yield breakthrough innovations. “Some of our most successful projects started with a really tough brief,” Benjamin recalls. “We embrace constraints as part of the creative process.” This philosophy extends beyond project briefs to include everything from material limitations to manufacturing constraints, each seen as an opportunity to innovate. The approach has led LAYER to develop unique solutions that might never have emerged from more open-ended scenarios, proving that creativity often flourishes most when it has clear boundaries to push against. This mindset shift from viewing constraints as problems to seeing them as creative opportunities has become fundamental to how the studio approaches every project.

The Real Talk Every Young Designer Needs to Hear

When asked what advice he’d give to emerging designers, Benjamin offers genuinely actionable wisdom rooted in years of industry experience. “Never stop asking questions,” he advises, but his guidance goes deeper than simple curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining what he calls “intelligent humility”: being confident enough to contribute meaningfully while remaining open to learning from every interaction. “Stay humble enough to know you don’t have all the answers, but confident enough to try anyway,” he explains. This balance is particularly crucial in an industry where both over-confidence and imposter syndrome can derail promising careers.

Hubert encourages young creatives to seek out inspiration from an unexpectedly wide range of sources, viewing design as a practice that benefits from interdisciplinary thinking. He suggests learning from fields like anthropology, psychology, and even economics to develop a richer understanding of human behavior and societal needs. “Design is about solving problems for people,” Benjamin concludes. “If you keep that in mind, you’ll always find your way.” This people-first approach to design thinking, combined with technical skill and creative vision, forms what Hubert sees as the foundation for a sustainable and impactful design career. His advice focuses on the fundamental human connections that make design meaningful.

YD’s new podcast, “Design Mindset,” promises to bring more candid, actionable insights like these every Friday. As Benjamin Hubert’s interview reveals, the journey from influence to innovation is as much about attitude and process as it is about talent. For designers everywhere, it’s a conversation worth tuning into.

The post Great Designers Steal: Benjamin Hubert on the Art of Creative Remixing first appeared on Yanko Design.