TJ Girard plays + creates food displays with PEELSPHERE® where banana peels + fruit waste are used to create a durable and versatile leather-like material.

Food has always been a canvas for creativity and innovation. It’s a medium that allows us to have fun and explore new possibilities. But it’s not just about playfulness; it’s also about making a positive impact on our planet. As designers and consumers, we have a responsibility to prioritize circular economy materials and products in our creations and purchasing decisions. One company that is leading the way in sustainable innovation is PEELSPHERE®, with their groundbreaking use of banana peels and other fruit and vegetable waste to create a durable and versatile leather-like material.
After years of witnessing the staggering amount of food waste generated by the food industry, it?s no surprise that a company like PEELSPHERE® grabbed my attention.

Founder, Youyang Song, pushed to develop a unique and innovative material from a closed-looped ecosystem. Their biodegradable material can be molded into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it an excellent alternative to traditional plastics. As a designer, it’s exciting to see companies like PEELSPHERE pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and I’m hopeful that their faux leather material will inspire many designers to incorporate circular economy materials into their future work as it meets both their aesthetic and funct...