158 Photo: credit develop the most sustainable solution. For example, we can explore how changing the layout of a space impacts on the number or types of materials we use, or how a modular design could make it easier to refurbish.” However, it can be difficult to align 9R strategies effectively within the different loops. “We struggle during projects where there is a disconnect between the newbuild and refurbishment teams,” says Sawelin. “For example, we might specify a product that has a higher upfront cost for the newbuild team but delivers overall cost and environmental savings for the refurbishment team. In these instances, the big structural elements of a new ship form a long 40-year circularity loop, whereas the interiors might operate within a five to 10-year loop, and there will be even smaller loops for items like mattresses, carpets and some pieces of furniture. Reassuringly, some clients – particularly new market entrants that are not limited by an existing fleet and legacy processes – are giving us greater opportunities to pursue the most sustainable design choices from the outset.” According to Sawelin, more suppliers are committing to following the 9R Framework and extending their focus beyond simply manufacturing recyclable products to instead focus on the other Rs in the framework. “In keeping with our founder Robert Tillberg’s legacy of timeless design, we’ve been working to push beyond trends that create outdated designs for many years, and as part of that, we’ve been considering how to make them more sustainble,” says Sawelin. “Ten years ago, we worked on our first cruise project with a shipowner who shared our sustainable vision, but it was challenging to find an extensive range of properly certified materials that were considered both eco-friendly and suitable for use in the cruise industry. “Today, our supply chain is delivering new smart products and materials that hit more Rs from the top down on the framework and reducing energy, waste and resource use in the manufacturing process. However, we’re still struggling to find partners that can help us to take care of the waste and end-of-life elements.” Sawelin believes regulatory changes will help to drive significant improvements. “The European Commission and similar bodies in other countries are building robust frameworks that will change the product landscape,” she says. “Solutions like product passports could be a good first step in providing complete transparency about the materials and other resources used in making the product. Ideally, they would also suggest solutions for each of the Rs and ultimately solve the waste problem at the end of a product’s life too. Stakeholders across the industry are taking lots of small steps and we should celebrate this progress, but we must still keep pushing to make the necessary giant leaps forward.” INTERVIEW Designers aim to use materials with the lowest possible environmental impact when creating interiors for cruise ships Photo: iStock/Thurtell
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