A DIY Vacuum

The UK-based Vax floorcare brand is exploring a limited-production run of a vacuum cleaner constructed mostly of corrugated board. Created by industrial design student Jake Tyler, the fully functional vacuum is a DIY project of sorts. The corrugated panels begin their lives as part of the retail box the vacuum is sold in; once the panels are separated from the box, they pop into place around a motor housing without any need for glue. The panels are flame retardant and can be customized with felt tip pens. Some components, which can’t practically be made of corrugated board, are produced from recyclable nylon plastic. Tyler developed the concept for his final-year project and was supported by the design team at Vax, where he worked for a year under the company’s student placement program.