THE FUTURE OF DESIGN IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY


THE FUTURE OF DESIGN IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Graphic for the NDA podcast featuring Paula Scher of Pentagram and MEK founder Mirella Arapian discussing the cost of pro bono design work.

The default for circular economy brands is education. They explain how the model works. They walk audiences through the supply chain, the material recovery process, the percentage diverted from landfill. Its well-intentioned. Its also backwards. This paper is about why circularity needs to lead with desirability. And desirability starts with branding.

The default for circular economy brands is education. They explain how the model works. They walk audiences through the supply chain, the material recovery process, the percentage diverted from landfill. Its well-intentioned. Its also backwards. This paper is about why circularity needs to lead with desirability. And desirability starts with branding.

1 Tripovich St

Brunswick VIC 3056

+61 3 9969 7602

hi@mek.studio

This site was built to minimise environmental impact
through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.

We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

© 2026 MEK STUDIO® All rights reserved.

1 Tripovich St

Brunswick VIC 3056

+61 3 9969 7602

hi@mek.studio

This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles.
Learn more.

We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

© 2026 MEK STUDIO® All rights reserved.

1 Tripovich St

Brunswick VIC 3056

+61 3 9969 7602

hi@mek.studio

This site was built to minimise environmental impact through low-carbon design principles. Learn more.

We live on the unceded stolen lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. We recognise their continuing connection to culture, land, waters and community, and pay respects to Elders past and present. There cannot be climate justice without Indigenous justice. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.

© 2026 MEK STUDIO® All rights reserved.