From waste to innovation

Innovation

11 Jun 2025

The future of building materials from plastic and wood. Skellefteå Co-creation Hub invites you to an inspiring lunchtime seminar where two unique perspectives reveal how plastic and wood waste can become the materials of the future!

Through innovative methods, design thinking, and circular principles, our speakers will show how residual materials can be transformed into resources with both aesthetic and industrial potential.

Speakers

Abel Hailu Kebede

An innovator and entrepreneur based in Skellefteå. Abel has developed a method to recycle plastic into durable, marble-like panels for construction and interior design. Supported by Region Västerbotten and recognized by Venture Cup, he is now building a company focused on local production and new applications for plastic that would otherwise be incinerated.

Olle Sahlqvist

A designer from Konstfack, Olle explores how material-centered design can help us reconnect with nature. Through projects like Invite Nature and his degree work Biomimicry Furniture Design, he demonstrates how wood waste and biological structures can be reimagined into furniture that reflects both function and environmental empathy.

Interactive Session: Applications for Future Materials

Following the talks, we’ll continue the discussion in small, mixed groups, exploring potential applications for recycled plastic and wood waste in future products, environments, and systems.

For whom?

For anyone curious about sustainable materials, whether you work in manufacturing, design, sustainability, education/research, or simply have an interest in rethinking resources and the future of building.

More details

Date: 11 juni
Time: 11:30–13:00
Location: Skellefteå Innovation Park, Laboratorgränd 9, Skellefteå
Cost: Free of charge!

A light lunch will be provided – please indicate any allergies when registering.

This event will be held in English.

We hope to see you there!

Last day for registration or update your information is Monday, June 9th at 12:00.

What is Skellefteå Co-creation Hub?

Sweden is facing major societal challenges that cannot be solved by individual actors or traditional working methods. To create sustainable solutions, cooperation between business, the public sector, academia and civil society is needed. Skellefteå Co-creation Hub is a neutral meeting place that is open every Wednesday between 8-16 to use our shared knowledge and find new ways to meet the needs of the future.

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