Collective Action and the Circular Shift:
Insights from the Sustainable Design Forum 2026
On 23rd April 2026, ModularPlastik had the chance to attend the SDC - Sustainable Design Collective Forum and it left a strong impression on how collaborative and forward-thinking the sustainability space is becoming.
From Commitment to Action
Hosted by The Sustainable Design Collective founders Harsha Kotak and Lydia Randall the event was thoughtfully curated from start to finish. It took place at Crypt on the Green, a venue that added its own character to the conversations around materiality and design.
The day opened with a guided tour of the exhibition stands, led by WOD - Women in Office Design followed by a talk from Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE FRCGP (Hon), sharing Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) ’s perspective on sustainability leadership and commitment. What stood out was the emphasis on responsibility not just as a value, but as an ongoing commitment supported through knowledge sharing, guidance, and continuous training. It felt grounded, practical, and actionable.
Honest Conversations from the Industry
The first panel discussion, moderated by Sam Allen, brought together Katie Bowes, @Phil Towie, Lucy Bagshaw , and Asif Din . What made this conversation particularly valuable was its honesty. Rather than polished narratives, it was refreshing to hear real challenges, tensions, and lessons from within the industry.
One idea that stayed with us came from Colebrook Bosson Saunders: the concept of the Digital Product Passport. As this emerging EU framework develops, it opens up a powerful way to communicate the full story of a product, from material origin to lifecycle. For us, this felt like uncovering the layered narrative behind materials. Not just what a product is, but where it has been, how it was made, and what it carries forward. Almost like listening to a product speak in its own voice, revealing every chapter of its journey.
A Forum That Felt Like a Real Dialogue
What made the forum stand out was its format. Beyond panels and keynote talks, the event created space for real interaction. A structured “speed networking” session, facilitated by moderators from the SDC team, allowed participants to rotate across multiple themed tables, exchange perspectives, and ask direct questions. This format shifted the dynamic from passive listening to active dialogue. It felt closer to a series of meaningful conversations than a traditional event.
There were also moments of genuine discovery. Learning that volcanic stone waste can be transformed into acoustic panels was one of them, presented beautifully by Fiona O'Callaghan from Rockfon . Even more striking was understanding the impact these materials can have on wellbeing. By reducing noise, they help lower stress levels and enable clearer, more comfortable conversations. A simple shift in material can completely reshape how a space feels and functions.
That same level of care extended to every detail. From the sustainability-conscious catering choices to the selection of exhibitors, it was clear that intention guided every decision. Each exhibitor approached sustainability from a different angle, whether through material innovation, manufacturing processes, circular design, or refurbishment strategies. What connected them was a shared commitment to measurable impact.
For ModularPlastik, this event reinforced something important. Sustainability is not a single solution or a fixed definition. It is a constantly evolving ecosystem of ideas, materials, and collaborations. Being in a room where people are not only discussing change but actively building it was both motivating and energising.
We left with new insights, new conversations, and a stronger belief in the role that materials and storytelling can play in shaping more responsible spaces.
