UPCYCLED RESIDUAL CRYSTAL MATERIALS

One of the significant advancements LIULI has made is in the reuse of residual materials from previous artworks in the Pate de verre process. During the creation of crystal pieces, there are often some amounts of residual glass, casting residue, and excess materials that, in most cases, would be discarded as waste. However, LIULI has found creative ways to reincorporate these materials into new works, transforming what was once considered industrial by-products into essential components of their new designs.

GREEN PROCESS STEP BY STEP

Step 1 & 2

Molding & Casting

We use 3D-printed molds to create silicone molds, replacing the traditional wax molds. By substituting silicone molds for wax, we have significantly reduced the consumption of wax materials and diesel. This change also eliminates the steam dewaxing step, thereby reducing the use of electricity and water resources. This streamlined process not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with our goal of conserving energy and minimizing resource waste, further advancing our commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly production practices.

Step 3

Color Glass Placement

The designer places the casting material into the mold, carefully arranging different weights and colors. This precise placement ensures that each table has unique flow patterns, while maintaining harmony and structural stability. The balance of colors and materials results in a visually striking yet stable design, adding to the aesthetic and functional appeal of the final product. This step is crucial in crafting the distinctive appearance that characterizes each piece, making it both an artistic and durable creation.

Step 4

Melting & Kiln Firing

By carefully controlling the furnace temperature and sintering time, the product is formed as a single, seamless piece without generating any casting residue. During this process, the natural gaps between the casting materials create small, flowing bubbles, adding an irreplicable, unique texture to each table. These bubbles enhance the aesthetic of the piece, making every table one-of-a-kind with its own distinct, organic beauty, further emphasizing the artisanal craftsmanship behind each creation.

Step 5 & 6

Die-cutting & Polishing

Since the product is formed as a single piece, cutting is no longer necessary. Additionally, the need for intensive grinding and polishing with metal tools has been significantly reduced. This not only decreases the consumption of electricity and water but also streamlines the entire finishing process, contributing to more efficient and eco-friendly production. By minimizing these steps, we further reduce the environmental impact while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship of the final product.

Step 7

Assembly of Glass & Wood

The design team at LIULI, drawing from traditional woodworking’s “mortise and tenon” structure, precisely calculated the shrinkage ratio during sintering. We fine-tuned custom tools to create a rotating clasp structure, with wood serving as the mortise (concave slot) and LIULI as the tenon (protruding clasp). To ensure durability, the LIULI tenon was rigorously tested through weight suspension, transport, impact, and single-point pressure tests. The wooden mortise hides the structure within, with exact measurements accounting for the different expansion and contraction coefficients of the materials, allowing the two to fit perfectly. This meticulous craftsmanship enables the LIULI piece to elegantly float above the wooden table legs.

Carbon Reduction Benefits of Each Product

Carbon Reduction Calculation Formula
Carbon Reduction (kg CO2e) = Carbon Emissions from Raw Material Acquisition + Carbon Emissions from Product Manufacturing

Target Product Carbon Reduction Calculation Formula
Carbon Reduction (kg CO2e) = Carbon Reduction per Kilogram of LIULI Product × Weight of the Target Product

This formula helps quantify the carbon reduction benefits for each product by considering both the material sourcing and manufacturing stages, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact of each piece.

A camphor tree with a trunk diameter of 47 cm and a height of approximately 11 meters has a carbon sequestration capacity of 150 kg CO2e.

This value provides a benchmark for understanding the environmental impact of carbon reduction efforts, as the amount of carbon sequestered by such a tree can be used to compare and contextualize the carbon savings achieved through eco-friendly production methods.

1 5