In a notable move towards sustainable practices in the architecture and engineering community, Swatchbox has unveiled its innovative program known as Second Life Samples™. This new initiative aims to significantly decrease the amount of material sample waste produced by architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, boasting reductions of up to 90%. It does so by enabling the take-back and reuse of material samples that no longer serve a purpose within design firms, thereby promoting a circular approach to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Since its inception in 2018, Swatchbox had already been offering free return services for samples ordered through its platform. The launch of the Second Life Samples program broadens this service to encompass any material samples that are in complete and undamaged condition, irrespective of their source. As a result, firms can recycle and circulate any samples they find unnecessary in their collections, promoting a healthier environment.
The process begins when firms send back their unused samples, which are then meticulously analyzed and graded. The analysis employs a proprietary system featuring an AI visual engine to assess each sample's condition, allowing Swatchbox to catalog essential information such as product lines and brand names. After processing, these samples are housed in fulfillment centers and made accessible through the Swatchbox platform for other architects and designers, effectively restoring their value and diverting usable materials away from landfills.
Samples that are unlabeled or lightly worn are earmarked for educational use, assisting students and educators in their learning journeys. Unfortunately, any damaged materials that cannot be salvaged will be processed through Swatchbox's recycling partners, ensuring that even those materials are managed responsibly.
The program has already gone through a successful private beta phase, collaborating with key architectural and design firms across the U.S. and U.K., including reputable names such as Gensler and Perkins & Will. Jenni Betancourt, an Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Dewberry, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating its significance in providing a solution for the typical accumulation of elaborate samples that would otherwise clutter studios without a feasible way of being recycled or reused.
With the Second Life Samples program, firms participating in the initiative can align with multiple sustainability certifications, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED and the AIA 2030 Commitment. As an additional bonus, Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Swatchbox's parent company Anguleris, emphasizes that this initiative not only addresses waste but also facilitates smarter design practices among architects, encouraging innovation while being mindful of environmental sustainability.
The Second Life Samples program is open to Swatchbox’s firm partners located throughout the U.S. and the U.K. For firms interested in achieving a more sustainable practice and wanting to participate in this innovative circular sampling program, additional details can be found at
Swatchbox Second Life.
This pivotal step taken by Swatchbox is expected to reshape the landscape of material sampling in the AEC sector, steering it towards a more mindful and sustainable future, where architects can practice their craft without compromising ecological responsibility.