KICHIN

A material made from organic waste, Kichin looks to live harmoniously with nature. By using ingredients that are usually discarded, Kichin creates a collaboration between different industries and people—all while being strong, consitent, and biodegradable material.

We explored how natural materials are grown and discarded, focusing on orange peels from local juicers. Instead of letting them go to waste, we collected and experimented with them in our studio, combining the peels with chitosan—a binder derived from crustacean shells. After refining our process, we developed a strong, moldable biomaterial we named Kichin. This material is durable, biodegradable, and versatile, suitable for products like office supplies or technology housing. The process fostered a deeper connection to our materials, encouraging sustainable growth through reclaiming waste.