Howest student Egon Lobbesstael, from the bachelor's programme in Industrial Product Design, won the jury prize at the Ecodesign Awards with his Polystep project. The innovative design, an affordable lower leg prosthesis made from plastic bottle caps, shows how circular design contributes to solutions for social challenges.OVAM andCircular Flanders award the Ecodesign Award to students who think about circular solutions to relevant and current social problems. The jury, consisting of Flanders DC, VITO, Design Museum Gent, Knack Weekend, Dott Achilles, and Studio D, selected six winners in different categories. AI is not going to win an Ecodesign Award As a designer, you determine 80% of the environmental impact of your product or service. With the Ecodesign Award for students, OVAM and Circular Flanders want to make the new generation of product designers aware of this as early as possible, says Jan Verheyen, spokesperson for OVAM. “With the slogan ‘AI isn't going to win an Ecodesign Award, but you might,’ we challenged students and emphasized the importance of their design skills.” What makes Polystep so special? Polystep is an affordable lower leg prosthesis made from recycled plastic bottle caps. With a production cost of just €11, Egon's design gives mobility back to people who cannot afford expensive prostheses. The jury praised the social impact and innovative nature of his design. Festive recognition at mini-exhibition The award ceremony took place on November 21 during a festive evening at the Lucas Faydherbe campus of Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Mechelen. Visitors had the opportunity to admire the winning projects during a mini-exhibition.“By presenting the Ecodesign Award for students, we are not only investing in the future but also in sustainability,” said Flemish Minister for the Environment Jo Brouns. “We challenge young designers to think two steps ahead and thus have a lasting sustainable impact on the environment with their innovative products. Congratulations to all the sustainable participants.” Deel deze pagina Delen op Facebook Delen op Twitter Delen op LinkedIn Delen via mail Nuttige links Bachelor Industrieel Productontwerpen OVAM Vlaanderen Circulair Ecodesign Award