From Waste to WANTED: LTU’s Award-Winning Product Design

Can discarded milk crates become luxury furniture? Join us for an inspiring panel discussion celebrating the groundbreaking project that just won the prestigious WANTED "Best of Schools 2026" award at ICFF in New York.

Discover how Product Design students from Lawrence Technological University diverted almost 1,300 pounds waste using 100% recycled HDPE sheets from Design Declassified and transformed them into a sophisticated, functional collection of high-end furnishings. This wasn't just a styling exercise; it was a rigorous exploration of how industrial byproducts can act as a catalyst for systemic, zero-waste change.

Whether you are a designer, an environmental advocate, or a lover of cutting-edge aesthetics, come see how the next generation is proving that environmental responsibility and luxury design go hand in hand.

This project was made possible through a creative partnership with Design Declassified, with invaluable support from the Centrepolis Accelerator.

Lawrence Technological University Product Design students transformed Design Declassified’s 100% recycled HDPE sheets—sourced from materials like discarded milk crates—into a sophisticated collection of furnishings.

UN SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

We use Detroit's UNESCO City of Design designation as a call to action for Detroiters to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals in their own communities, contributing to the active effort of solving global interconnected issues.

• GOAL 09 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

  
  

• GOAL 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

  Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

  
  

• GOAL 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

  Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns