Sofie Boons to Present at the World Design Congress 2025

We are delighted to announce that Sofie Boons, Senior Lecturer in Design Crafts at UWE, CFPR PhD alumna, and CFPR Associate, will be presenting a poster at the World Design Congress 2025, taking place at the Barbican Centre, London, on 9–10 September 2025.

Her poster is titled:

NEO-GEMSTONES®
Crafting Luxurious Futures from Urban Mined Crystal Waste

The jewellery industry faces ethical and environmental challenges, especially in gemstone sourcing, and while there are processes in place to recycle metals, this is rare for crystals. Meanwhile, crystal growth has evolved to an industrial necessity. Despite its artistic potential, jewellers were historically excluded, and lab-grown gemstones remain contested. Sofie’s research explores the use of crystal waste and local crystal growth to create sustainable alternatives, supporting a circular economy and revitalising UK jewellery craftsmanship.

The poster showcase will be available for viewing all day on both event days, allowing attendees to explore Sofie’s work alongside other selected projects from around the world.

For more information, visit the official event website:
World Design Congress 2025