A new round of the Red Dot Award, the internationally renowned product design awards, has been introduced. This year sees Red Dot add the Sustainable Design category, with a focus on sustainable and responsible product design.
Examples of entries that may be considered in the category include durable, adaptable, and material- and energy-efficient products, or products made from renewable and recyclable raw materials.
As part of the judging process, all submissions will first be evaluated holistically and then, in a second round, by the Red Dot jury with regard to the following specific characteristics:
Durable, evolving, and adaptable products
Durable and high-quality product designs offer greater benefits as they rarely need to be replaced and can be re-used. For example, designs that grow with children and can be adapted to their developmental stages and therefore used for longer, are in contrast to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). Multifunctional products can be used flexibly and reduce the consumption of individual, specialised items.
Material and energy-efficient construction
“Less is more” is a phrase attributed to the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a phrase whose validity applies not only to minimalist design, and the reduction of complexity in the use of things, but also to material and energy-efficient construction. So less is also more if the design and construction of products can also save material and energy and reduce the burden on the environment.
Renewable and recyclable raw materials
Designers and companies are also responsible for the decision to include renewable and recyclable raw materials in designs, as the choice of raw and other materials determines whether a product can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.
Repairable and recyclable products
Designers and companies have a decisive influence on whether products can be repaired or recycled in order to extend their service life and reduce their environmental impact. Repairability and recyclability give consumers the opportunity to act more sustainably. These principles are already important in the design process.
Sustainability also applies to packaging and shipping
In addition to the product itself, its packaging also plays a role: intelligent design that reduces packaging material or optimises transport also protects the environment.
Applying for the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025
From 16 September 2024 to 31 January 2025, designers and companies from all over the world can apply to have their products considered for the awards. The application period is divided into three phases:
Early Bird: 16 September – 11 October 2024
Regular: 12 October 2024 – 17 January 2025
Latecomer: 18 January – 31 January 2025
The judging of the submitted designs will take place in March 2025, when over 40 international design experts will come together in the Ruhr region to examine the products.
The Red Dot Award Ceremony will take place on 8 July 2025. Over 1,500 international guests are expected to attend the event at the Aalto Theatre in Essen and the Red Dot Design Museum, which is located on the grounds of Zeche Zollverein, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
