Discarded plastic figures from popular toy lines are finding new purpose as electronic accessories through an innovative sustainability initiative.
A graduate of the University of Brighton is transforming pre-owned Barbie and Ken dolls into functional technology products via his design enterprise Gomi, which operates from the Sussex city.
Tom Meades, who completed a 3D Design and Craft degree in 2017, serves as co-founder and principal designer at the studio.
The company has established a collaboration with Mattel’s Barbie brand, resulting in a limited-edition range encompassing portable Bluetooth speakers, portable power supplies and tracking devices.
Speaking about the project, Meades noted that Barbie has formed part of countless childhoods, making it compelling to reimagining these recognisable objects in an entirely different context.
He explained that rather than treating discarded items as having reached the conclusion of their usefulness, the process explores what such materials might become next.
The aim was to render this concept tangible while producing items people would genuinely wish to retain.
The Childhood Memories Collection utilises components extracted from vintage dolls and accompanying accessories.
These materials are blended with additional plastics that present recycling challenges, resulting in vibrant, marble-effect finishes.
Every item is manufactured by hand in Brighton and displays a distinctive pattern exclusive to that piece.
The studio is inviting members of the public to submit unwanted Barbie and Ken dolls along with associated accessories for incorporation into forthcoming creations.
The speakers and power banks operate using cells harvested from electric bicycle applications.
All Gomi productions are engineered to permit repair throughout their operational lifespan.
Individual components are fastened using mechanical fixings rather than adhesive bonding, enabling specific parts to be swapped or restored without necessitating complete product replacement.
The Childhood Memories Collection became available on 24 September through restricted monthly releases.
The company will additionally provide exchange, maintenance and product enhancement programmes for the range.
These services enable devices to undergo repair or renovation while permitting eventual material recovery and reapplication in subsequent production cycles.