A funny folding technique applied to a disposable razor to avoid material separation before recycling and optimize distribution.

Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?

While disposable products must be replaced by reusable ones whenever possible, in certain situations such as hospitals or salons, single-use items remain necessary for hygiene reasons. Metal Origami addresses the environmental impact of single-use products by improving their lifecycle. The razor is made entirely from recycled aluminum, which eliminates the need for separating different materials for recycling. The aluminum is easy to recycle, closing the material cycle and reducing environmental impact. The razor is also designed for efficient distribution: it comes flat-packed to reduce volume and carbon emissions, and the user must fold it by hand like origami. This DIY folding process not only enhances the user experience but also adds an interactive element, making it more engaging.

Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).

 The project’s concept focuses on simplifying the razor for proper recycling. Since razor blades are typically made of metal, I decided to use aluminum for the entire razor. After researching the material constraints, I found that reducing the strength of the aluminum in certain areas using laser cutting made it foldable by hand. This technique, reminiscent of origami, allows the razor to be made from a 0.5mm aluminum sheet, which is then sharpened and stacked for distribution. This design enables the razors to be transported in a compact, flat form—10 razors fit in a 1cm box, reducing carbon emissions in shipping.

What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?

The disposable industry is largely not using a design approach to rethink single-use products. Most efforts have focused on substituting plastic with materials like bamboo or paper, but they have not reimagined the entire production process. Metal Origami takes a systematic approach by redesigning the product form to minimize the environmental impact at each stage of production. By using a single recyclable material and optimizing the design for efficiency, this project creates a 100% closed material cycle for disposable razors, a significant departure from traditional methods.

Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?

 As a young woman in 2025, I grew up in a society where shaving is a common social norm. Over the years, I’ve encountered the pros and cons of disposable razors. My experience helped inform this project, as I sought to make the razor more affordable for teenagers and young adults, who need to buy razors frequently. Additionally, my generation is highly environmentally conscious, and creating an eco-friendly hygiene product that doesn’t feel guilt-ridden when disposed of was an important psychological aspect to consider. The project reflects the growing desire for sustainability and responsibility among young people while meeting their practical needs.