Vax unveils cardboard vacuum cleaner
Worcestershire floorcare manufacturer Vax has produced the world's first cardboard vacuum cleaner. The machine is constructed from corrugated cardboard panels and other recyclable materials.
The vacuum cleaner, Vax ev, has been designed by Loughborough University student Jake Tyler.
The product has been constructed using recycled and recyclable materials that aim to reduce the burden on landfill, said Tyler.
It is also used as the retail box the vacuum cleaner is sold in. Once the cardboard parts are separated from the box, they fit into place around the motor housing.
They have a flame retardant coating and are fully customisable.
Components that cannot practically be made of cardboard have been produced from recyclable, pure nylon plastic using rapid process manufacturing, rather than injection moulding.
Tyler was supported by the new product design team at Vax’s headquarters in Droitwich, Worcestershire, where he worked for a year under the company’s student placement scheme.
Paul Bagwell, from Vax, said: "With sustainability becoming an increasing concern for manufacturers, the Vax ev shows just what can be achieved when young designers are encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of product design."
