Studio CircOlar, based in Copenhagen, is challenging our perception of paper waste. What began as a Master’s thesis project—transforming discarded museum brochures and books into unique souvenirs—has evolved into a larger mission: to explore the untapped potential of fiber waste. “We envision a reinvention of paper and, more broadly, a reimagining of our relationship with materials and technology,” says Kehong Song, co-founder of Studio CircOlar.

An underestimated material
Globally, paper waste remains a massive environmental challenge. Paper accounts for roughly 26% of landfill waste, despite being one of the most recyclable materials. Producing a single tonne of paper requires 24 trees and nearly 5,000 liters of water, while conventional recycling processes often involve de-inking, bleaching, and mixing with virgin fibers—still consuming significant energy and contributing to pollution.

Studio CircOlar takes a different approach. Rather than stripping paper of its original properties, they preserve its authentic textures, colors, and imperfections, allowing the material’s inherent beauty to emerge. Their process is about working with the material rather than against it—using design to enhance what already exists instead of forcing it into a predetermined form.

Designing for circularity
Beyond creating objects, Studio CircOlar fosters public engagement through workshops, inviting people to participate in co-creating material circularity. These hands-on experiences highlight the potential of waste materials, encouraging a shift in mindset: from consumer to contributor, from waste to resource. Their work aligns with the broader goals of a circular economy, where materials are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.

As a member of maker, Studio CircOlar is part of a larger ecosystem of creators, designers, and innovators committed to rethinking production, materials, and sustainability. By working within this community, they continue to push boundaries—offering not just objects, but new perspectives on waste, value, and design.

In an age of mass production and excessive waste, Studio CircOlar offers an alternative—a way to reconnect with materials, rethink waste, and challenge the way we define value. Perhaps paper is more than a surface for ideas. Perhaps paper, itself, is the idea?