Sustainability has been one of the founding principles of Relay Design Agency since we were established in 2009. In the ensuing decade we have seen the spotlight on sustainability increase in both scale and intensity.

For this edition of Future Focus, we look at the role of traceability & transparency in evaluating raw materials and providing roadmaps for innovations in material development. We look at those championing traditional forms of manufacturing as well as those exploring the latest in new technologies, alongside innovative uses of recycled and reclaimed materials.

This recent report focuses on the bold and oversized silhouettes which have dominated recent product launches. At first glance this trend seems to be an obvious reaction against the fine filigree of earlier collections, however on closer inspection these bold forms underline more practical considerations as product design briefs frequently demand multiple uses and adaptations to ensure market success. Especially in the current climate where successful design needs to function in multiple locations.