By using paper injection molding, the product can tap into the well-established recycled paper cycle. Even though a conventional polystyrene razor could technically be recyclable, the remnants often end up unsorted in waste incineration plants, causing the valuable materials to be lost forever.
The Papercut project features two razors with two different material focuses. The disposable razor is made from injection-molded paper. The company Pulp-tec developed this process. Due to the recyclable starch content in the granulate, the paper can be thermally formed and molded without water as a flux. The enormous pressure ensures that the paper remains hydrophobic long enough to function as a disposable/circular product. The second shaving product is made from conventional stainless steel.
How much microplastic is generated by a shaving brush?
In addition to the actual shaving products, we also examined the shaving brush from "Mühle Shaving." Individual components were analyzed, and abrasion was tested. A Creality Ender 3 Pro model 3D printer was used for this purpose.
The prototypes were produced using the pulp pressing process. Blue ABS 3D-printed molds were used for this purpose.
Papercut
What is demand-driven shaving? Nowadays, shaving products come in all sorts of shapes and colors, but those who want to purchase a "sustainable" product often have to pay a premium. Moreover, a razor, such as a safety razor, due to its fine craftsmanship and CO2-intensive material acquisition, demands lifelong usage. To counteract the status quo and create more options, I developed two alternatives in my semester project that progressively address the theme of "shaving". With attention to material-appropriate design and adequate usage duration, two high-quality products have been created.
The project was developed in collaboration with "Mühle Shaving", a traditional company that has specialized in all kinds of shaving products for generations. The business, located in the Ore Mountains, is known for its high-quality local production.