VERSATILITY IN DESIGN AND CUSTOMISATION

In our constant pursuit of sustainable solutions, one area that often gets overlooked is school furniture. While commonly seen in classrooms worldwide, laminated desktops pose a significant challenge regarding repair and end-of-life disposal. However, an Aucklandbased startup company, Critical Design, has recently embarked on a project to transform old desk frames with innovative desktops made from compressed recycled plastic. We had the opportunity to speak with Rui Peng, the CEO of Critical Design, to learn more about this groundbreaking initiative.

Laminated desktops have long been a common fixture in classrooms worldwide. However, the issue arises when these desktops become damaged or broken, often resulting in a complicated and costly repair. Recognising this challenge, Critical Design, an Auckland-based startup company, has embarked on an innovative project to transform old desk frames with its revolutionary Cleanstone panels built from compressed recycled plastic.

Under the leadership of CEO Rui Peng, Critical Design aims to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional laminated desktops. The Cleanstone panels offer unparalleled durability and longevity thanks to their moisture-free composition. Unlike laminated desktops, which can be challenging to repair, the Cleanstone panels can be easily sanded and polished when marked or damaged, ensuring a costeffective and efficient solution.

What sets Cleanstone panels apart is their versatility in design and customisation. Critical Design offers a wide range of colour options, allowing each panel to be tailored to the client's preference. Furthermore, the panels are crafted from various recycled plastics, such as bubble wrap, plastic bags, piping, and netting, offering diverse design possibilities that help combat the carbon emissions associated with plastic waste. Environmental sustainability is at the heart of Critical Design's mission. The company aims to make a lasting positive change by utilising sustainable technology with minimal environmental impact. The Cleanstone panels are just one aspect of their commitment. Critical design ships these panels worldwide, extending their influence beyond the local market. Moreover, the company has established a system to buy back panels in endof-life condition, ensuring they can be repurposed into new products rather than ending up in landfills.

In addition to its environmental focus, Critical Design provides a 20-year lifetime warranty for the Cleanstone panels, underscoring its confidence in its durability. This commitment to quality and longevity reassures schools and educational institutions to invest in a sustainable and reliable solution for their desks.

CEO Rui Peng explains that Critical Design's vision extends beyond desk refurbishment. Their ultimate ambition is to eliminate the dumping of plastics in landfills, making way for a future where sustainability is the norm. By leading the way with their Cleanstone panels and their dedication to ongoing improvements, Critical Design is shaping the future of sustainable design, benefitting both people and the planet.

The Cleanstone panels by Critical Design represent a significant step forward in school desk sustainability. With their durability, customisable design options, and unwavering commitment to the environment, these panels offer a compelling solution for schools seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

By choosing Cleanstone panels, schools can contribute to a greener future while providing students with a sustainable and inspiring learning environment. H