Can waste fat help shape the future of materials, economies, and sustainable resource management? In a materials-focused collaboration, Sarah King of Earthli Projects has partnered with Robert Charles Johnston of Ficta Studio on his Fatconomy research. This project explores future economies, cottage industries, just energy transitions, and the resource management of undervalued materials within the fat waste industry.

Fatconomy investigates underutilised waste streams within the fat industry—particularly those overlooked due to limited scale or processing challenges. By leveraging 3D printing technology, the material strand of this project has explored the processing of waste fat into a printable paste, creating a porous solid material with potential applications back within the industry.

More than a materials experiment, Fatconomy is a critical reimagining of waste and value. Through research, workshops, films, and prototyping, the project challenges perceptions of waste fat, repositioning it within new narratives of circular economies, just energy transitions, and cottage industries.

Rooted in diverse design methodologies, field research, and mapping, Fatconomy embraces an interdisciplinary approach. By breaking down silos and fostering long-term partnerships, the project is as much about process and collaboration as it is about tangible outcomes.

Fatconomy invites you to explore the uncharted future of fat and rethink how we engage with overlooked materials. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, exhibitions, and findings from this groundbreaking research.

https://studioficta.com/ | @robertcharlesjohnson