Vooper
Our Vision of a Circular Vacuum Cleaner
Exploring the "cradle-to-cradle" concept through a vacuum cleaner study
How can we incorporate the principles of a circular economy into the design of a high-end domestic appliance? This question served as the starting point for our innovative design study where we conceptualized a circular vacuum cleaner. We are excited to showcasing this project for the first time at IFA 2024.
The ‘Vooper’ study introduces a cordless handstick with a fully modular design. Its extensive disassembly capabilities allow for the valuable materials used in its construction to be almost entirely returned to the material cycle at the end of its life cycle. This initiative, among others, demonstrates Miele’s strong commitment to working on circular solutions.
We’ve named our concept study 'Vooper', a name we created by combining 'Vac' (short for vacuum cleaner) and 'Loop' (symbolizing the cycle).
The study of a circular Miele vacuum cleaner was developed in close collaboration with Professor Dr Michael Braungart, co-founder of the cradle-to-cradle principle. This principle is dedicated to a realisation of a completely circular economy where materials are not turned into waste, but instead continue to be reused in the cycle.
Throughout the development process of the study, we entirely reimagined the concept. A product like this needs to be completely redesigned to ensure that the materials can be reintegrated into the cycle at the end of the lifespan.
With its fully modular design, it is easy to dismantle and ensures that valuable materials can be nearly entirely returned to the material cycle.
Monomaterial was used instead of plastic mixtures, and plug-in and screw connections were chosen instead of adhesives. The material derived from recycling processes and is designed to be fully recyclable in turn. CO2-reduced “Green aluminum” is used for metal parts.
All maintenance parts, such as the filter and the battery, are easy to access and color-coded for user-friendly handling. The modular concept design allows users to replace or upgrade components on their own, for instance installing more powerful batteries or control units. To simplify maintenance over the appliance’s remarkably long lifespan, the built-in filter self-cleans automatically – a feature so innovative that a patent application has been submitted for it.
