Transforming Waste into Beauty: SoFTI AQUA & Senzorine at the Intersection of Art, Science, and Sustainability
On April 9, 2025, Atelje on Stari Trg in Ljubljana hosted an inspiring evening that bridged sustainability and artistic innovation. The opening of the SoFTI AQUA jewellery collection and Senzorine’s spatial installation served as a prelude to Slovenian Jewellery Week and a reminder of our responsibility to the planet.
Photo: Miloš & Nataša Horvat
Among the speakers was Ladeja Godina Košir, founder and chair of Circular Change, who reflected on the importance of circular design in shifting mindsets and accelerating systemic transformation.
Jewellery with a Message
The SoFTI AQUA collection, designed by Bojana Kovačič Zemljič and the E2RD team, is inspired by coral and made from procyclen®PS, a recycled material developed by Interzero from used yogurt lids. The result: one-of-a-kind pieces that turn plastic waste into wearable statements.
As Dr. Manica Ulčnik-Krump, Head of R&D at Interzero Plastics Innovations, shared:
“Fashion can serve as a powerful tool to raise awareness about the impact of our individual actions on the planet. When the beauty of art meets the harsh reality of waste, unexpected beauty emerges.”
The Power of Materials
Photo: Miloš & Nataša Horvat
The innovation behind procyclen®PS lies in its single-stage recycling process and its custom colour development—capturing the vivid hues of coral reefs and tropical waters. The material demonstrates what is possible when research, art, and environmental responsibility come together.
“SoFTI AQUA is a symbol of life, colour, and a response to climate change, as well as a profound love for nature,” said Dr. Ulčnik-Krump.
A Space to Feel
Senzorine’s interactive installation invited visitors into a sensory experience of fragility, connection, and regeneration—mirroring the themes of the jewellery collection and amplifying its emotional and environmental message.
Circular Stories will Travel to Brasil
The story doesn’t end in Ljubljana. As part of Slovenia’s presence at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in May, Ladeja Godina Košir will bring select pieces from the SoFTI AQUA collection to share this story of transformation, innovation, and beauty born from waste with the global circular community.
“This fusion reflects a commitment to zero waste and the power of creativity to shift our mindset,” concluded Dr. Ulčnik-Krump.