Brighton graduate pioneers portable speakers made from plastic waste

Studio gomi has launched Collection One of its “regenerative” portable speakers, with each speaker containing the equivalent of 45 plastic bags worth of plastic waste. It’s powered by batteries sourced from end-of-life e-bikes.

Co-founded by University of Brighton graduate, Tom Meades, these speakers use circular design practices and bespoke manufacturing processes, all made in-house at gomi’s Brighton studio. Tom studied 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons), graduating in 2017.

The process

To begin, gomi source retired battery packs from e-bike manufacturers and harvest the lithium cells. These cells are tested in the in-house studio to check they are healthy. Finally, gomi combine the cells to create the battery packs which power the speakers for 30+ hours of play-time at normal listening volumes.

Rethinking the way we use waste

gomi gives healthy lithium batteries a fresh start. By doing this, this prevents batteries ending up in landfill and prevents the need for creating new ones in the process. The speakers produce 50% less CO2 emissions than comparable speakers. gomi’s design philosophy is that tech shouldn’t become obsolete.

We use five million tonnes of plastic in the UK every year, nearly half of which is packaging. Often such waste does not decompose and lasts for centuries in landfill. gomi’s innovative approach has viewed plastic as an opportunity to be brought back to life, and further prevents more being created. Engineers and product designers, such as Tom, have a key part to play in the circular economy. Circular product design is the foundational step of a circular transition. With low-emission materials and the circular economy speeding the progress towards net zero.

To further improve this circular design, gomi also offers a repairs-for-life service.

Discover gomi’s uniquely designed speakers here.