Designer Alkesh Parmar is turning orange peel waste into a unique leather-like fabric that he uses to create stunning functional and decorative objects. Through his project “Citrus Sinensis” under Studio Arp, Parmar salvages discarded orange rinds and transforms them into a patchwork fabric that resembles leather.
The name “Citrus sinensis” refers to the species of sweet citrus fruits that are achieved by hybridizing pomelos and mandarins. These fruits include popular varieties like Valencia, blood, and navel oranges that we see in supermarkets.
Parmar’s process, known as APeel, involves shaping and stitching together the orange peel pieces while they are still pliable. The resulting fabric is then used in his lighting design called “APeel Skin,” where it acts as a natural screen that softens and warms the light emitted from the lamp.
This project not only showcases traditional craft practices like sewing and textiles but also pushes the boundaries of how we can repurpose waste materials in innovative ways. Studio Arp, specializing in lighting design, emphasizes a materials-first, hands-on approach to promote sustainability and create deeper connections between people and their surroundings.
To explore more of Studio Arp’s work, you can visit their Instagram page. The use of orange peel waste in creating functional and decorative objects is a creative way to reduce waste and promote sustainable design practices.
