REPP
REPP, or Rubber Environment Protection Profiles, is a rubber product designed to protect road users, cyclists, and pedestrians from injuries in collisions. This innovative product was developed as part of a master’s degree project by industrial designer Katarina Segerberg at Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering in Sweden. Working with recycled tyre rubber in granulate form is often described as surprisingly straightforward; however, significant potential exists in exploring other forms, which could unlock numerous opportunities for broader use of the material. Katarina’s journey began with a spark of determination to challenge the status quo in the tyre industry. Motivated by a desire to improve and innovate, Katarina faced seemingly impossible challenges with resilience. Although she initially lacked industry knowledge, she embraced this as an opportunity to learn and innovate. Inspired by a talk on recycled rubber granulate flooring, she chose to focus on this underexplored and promising material for her project. Katarina identified five critical areas for advancing the circular economy: (1) reducing consumption of new items, (2) designing smarter products and packaging, (3) increasing reuse, (4) enhancing recycling processes, and (5) recovering energy from non-recyclable materials.
Her research revealed the interconnectedness of these areas, necessitating comprehensive changes for significant impact. She decided to concentrate on increasing the reuse of tyre materials, which offered the greatest potential for meaningful contributions. In early 2021, when Katarina began working with Swedish Tyre Recycling, she identified several key factors for developing new products in this field. These included utilising rubber’s inherent properties, creating demand for recycled rubber applications, and managing large volumes of reused material. Katarina extended the possibilities beyond whole tyres and granulate, introducing new forms such as rope and fabric. She developed 23 innovative ideas, including traffic barriers, entrance mats, industrial counters, and outdoor gyms, highlighting the untapped potential of recycled rubber. Many of these concepts focused on road safety, leveraging the familiarity of tyres to promote wider acceptance of recycled materials. One of her traffic pole designs was selected for further development.
Katarina explored various attachment methods, ensuring adaptability to different post designs, and integrated reflectors and logos for improved visibility and safety. REPP profiles are secured around traffic posts by gluing two profiles along their longitudinal edges. In the event of damage, they can be disassembled and replaced using an angle grinder, ensuring both recyclability and extended use. REPP is available in different levels of softness and a range of colours, making it suitable for diverse environments, such as playgrounds or urban areas. Its standard profile size ensures compatibility with common post diameters, enhancing its practical application. Made from 100% recycled tyre rubber, REPP offers durability and resistance to environmental factors. While REPP alone won’t revolutionise the circular economy, its long-term value lies in fostering acceptance of reused materials and promoting sustainable practices in tyre recycling. Katarina Segerberg’s REPP project is a prime example of how design can drive both innovation and sustainability. By addressing the issue of tyre waste, REPP contributes to the broader circular economy, paving the way for future advancements in material reuse and environmental protection.
Website: lusid.se
Instagram: katarina_segerberg
Country: Sweden
