What is Grape Lab?
Grape Lab is all about tackling environmental and social challenges from a fresh design perspective. Instead of jumping on the high-tech bandwagon, this sustainable design lab experiments with analog and green technologies to shake up the sustainability market. Their approach? Going against the flow, thinking differently, and focusing on real-world impact. It’s not just about making products; it’s about rethinking every step of the process—from production to disposal—while keeping the environment front and center.
Main Benefits of Grape Lab’s Approach
Here’s what makes Grape Lab stand out:
- Minimal use of resources and skills, emphasizing quality and sustainability over quantity.
- Integration of recycled and wood-free papers combined with unique folding techniques to create stationery products with sustainable lifecycles.
- Zero waste culture: scraps from production are transformed into cards, tags, bands, and shopping bags.
- Employment and profit-sharing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, promoting social inclusion.
- Community engagement through workshops and exhibits that encourage greener habits and mindsets.
- A showroom in Seoul featuring a library of eco-friendly materials and sustainable product galleries for public consultation.
The Beauty of Less
It’s all about using minimal resources and skills—but with maximum thoughtfulness. Grape Lab doesn’t just focus on creating a good product; they dive deep into understanding every step behind its creation. From sourcing the cleanest materials to ensuring the product’s lifecycle is as green as possible, their design philosophy revolves around simplicity and sustainability. This mindful approach ensures that every item respects the environment, right from production to disposal.
The Beauty of More
Sometimes, slow and steady wins the race—especially when it comes to building community. Grape Lab believes society is a crucial part of the environment, and their mission is to foster collaboration. People with intellectual disabilities play a vital role in this vision, contributing their unique talents to the team. By offering them visibility, employment, and profit-sharing, Grape Lab helps create a more inclusive and diverse society. It’s about more than products—it’s about people.
Zero Waste and Sustainable Culture
Zero waste isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. Grape Lab transforms production scraps into beautiful design pieces like cards and shopping bags, turning waste into opportunity. Beyond products, they’re nurturing a sustainable culture through workshops and exhibits that inspire communities to adopt greener habits. The goal? To shift mindsets and prepare future generations to protect the planet. It’s a ripple effect—starting small but aiming big.
Project Impact: Linking to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating job opportunities for vulnerable minorities.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Innovating with eco-friendly materials and unique design techniques.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Promoting inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasizing zero waste and sustainable product lifecycles.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Using green technologies and minimal resources to reduce environmental impact.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Engaging communities through workshops and collaborative projects.
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
The heart of Grape Lab is its diverse and dedicated team. From designers Jinju Kwon and Mela Sohn to illustrator and production manager Seung Ho Shin, each member brings unique skills to the table. The creation team, including Hwang Jae Cho, Seong Jin Han, Hong Jun Kim, Woo Jeong Lim, and Ye Eun Han, work closely to bring sustainable ideas to life. Sunny Lee handles accounting, ensuring the lab runs smoothly. Together, they’re crafting a culture of sustainability—one design at a time.
