Turtlehorn x KINKLEID

Can yarn waste be transformed into something valuable?

Designer Maria Voth Velasco (Turtlehorn) and researcher Cristina Palacios (KINKLEID) come together to explore this question through a hands-on collaboration that bridges science and design.

Turtlehorn x KINKLEID offers a case study in interdisciplinary innovation to repurpose waste, empower women, and reimagine fashion systems. Through an ongoing investigation two main prototypes have emerged.

The project was on display at Milan Design Week 2025 supported by WORTH Partnership Project.

3d-printed sunglasses

Using melt-extrusion techniques, polymer yarn waste can be transformed into a filament suitable for 3D printing.

This scalable process allows for the creation of customizable 3D-printed sunglasses. The first samples are available at Turtlehorn’s website.

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jarapa waste jacket

Through the traditional Andalusian jarapa weaving technique, untreated polymer yarn waste was woven into a striking jacket prototype.

While visually powerful, this piece is not intended for commercial release due to the material’s tendency to shed microfibers. This serves as a reminder of the environmental complexities concerning synthetic textiles.

Both pieces have been incorporated as part of a larger fashion collection by Turtlehorn’s streetwear brand.