Casarialto unveils ReVitrum, a new project developed by Casarialto Atelier that redefines the lifecycle of borosilicate glass through design-led recycling. Created in collaboration with Murano-based startup rehub, the initiative addresses one of the glass industry's lesser-known challenges: the limited recyclability of non-packaging glass.
© Casarialto
The project stems from a research partnership launched in 2024, focused on finding viable solutions for repurposing borosilicate glass, a material widely used by the Veneto-based brand. Despite common assumptions, "not all glass is recyclable; in fact, only packaging glass has an efficient recycling supply chain," leaving everyday objects such as lamps, windows and tableware to be discarded or downcycled.
The scale of the issue is particularly visible in Murano, where "about 50% of processed glass becomes waste: every year, over a thousand tons end up in landfills." This environmental impact is further compounded by the resource intensity of glass production, as sand—its primary component, is "the second most exploited raw material in the world after water," requiring energy-intensive processing.
Against this backdrop, ReVitrum emerges as the result of an "extensive research process that combines craftsmanship with material experimentation." After overcoming technical challenges, the collaboration has succeeded in "transforming waste into a new, high-quality material, resulting in a functional, durable product certified for food use."
The final design takes the form of a multifunctional object with a 40 cm diameter and 1 cm thickness, supported by a glass base for ease of handling. Designed for versatility, it can function as a tray, serving platter, plate or cutting board, seamlessly integrating into both kitchen and living spaces. Its substantial weight, nearly 4 kg, underscores both its durability and material presence.
© Casarialto
Accompanied by three borosilicate glass bowls of varying sizes, the piece is conceived as "a multipurpose design object that invites sharing and transforms the everyday act of serving into a mindful gesture." Each unit incorporates approximately 4 kg of reclaimed material that would otherwise have been sent to landfill.
Produced in a limited edition of 30 pieces, ReVitrum exemplifies Casarialto's commitment to research-driven design. Through this project, the brand demonstrates how sustainability can evolve into "an aesthetic language, technological innovation, and design culture," offering a compelling model for circular design within the European context.
More information:
Casarialto
[email protected]
www.casarialto.it
