138 Designing for life From circular design to take-back recycling strategies, the marine industry is trialling new ways to create sustainable ship interiors. Richard Humphreys asks Holland America and Seabourn’s My Nguyen why the future of cruise ship design depends on bold ideas, partnerships and designers willing to lead the charge While cruise and ferry companies have yet to adopt formal interior design and product purchasing policies that prioritise sustainability, a growing number of in-house and third-party designers are stepping up as passionate campaigners for change. My Nguyen, director of interior design at Holland America and Seabourn, is one such advocate. Armed with a wealth of experience from working at Holland America and Seabourn, NB Design Group, as well as Princess and Windstar, Nguyen has seen a “big shift” in the move to sustainable interior products in the market over the past few years. “Five years ago, the words ‘sustainable’ and ‘circular’ were rarely discussed in vendor presentations,” she says. “Now, it’s rare if a vendor does not mention something about sustainability in relation to their product. It is not only about sustainable materials, but also their efforts to achieve circularity. Cruise ship owners and designers have more awareness and are demanding more options with sustainability in mind, and vendors have been responding.” According to Nguyen, there are lots more sustainable products and materials than there were five years ago. “The sustainability conversation is now more prevalent among those involved in carpets, fabrics, wall coverings, furniture, project management, dry dock protocols and so on. The net has been cast much wider. FEATURE
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