🌍 Designing with the Earth in Mind
Plastic, once hailed as the “greatest invention of the 20th century” for its durability, has now become a leading environmental threat for the very same reason—it doesn’t break down. While it only takes minutes to use, it can take centuries to decompose. Easily discarded and rarely recycled, plastic waste continues to disrupt ecosystems worldwide.
Cho Sung Hyun, Founder of PIGLAB
Product Inspired by Green
Finding proper ways to handle plastic waste has become a global challenge. This is where upcycling emerges—a creative and responsible approach that transforms discarded resources into valuable new products. As the concept of conscious consumption grows, upcycling is evolving beyond a grassroots movement into a legitimate industry.
Among this movement is the Korean startup PIGLAB, known for developing eco-friendly lifestyle goods by upcycling discarded materials. Their debut product, the Snail Unboxing Cutter, launched through crowdfunding and quickly caught the attention of consumers. It was also awarded the Silver Prize in the Good Design Award (hosted by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion), under the Minister of SMEs and Startups.
We sat down with Cho Sung Hyun, the founder, to learn more about his journey and vision for sustainable design.
Q. What inspired you to start PIGLAB?
“For nearly 15 years, I worked as a product designer with a strong sense of pride in creating items that improve daily life. But at the same time, I became increasingly aware of the environmental cost of mass-produced plastic. That tension pushed me to take a small but meaningful step—starting PIGLAB to develop sustainable products that embody the principles of eco-conscious design.”
Q. Why did you choose the Snail Unboxing Cutter as your first product?
“When launching my own brand, I held a core belief: don’t create trash out of trash. As an upcycling brand, I didn’t want to make disposable items. I wanted to create something useful for daily life. So I began designing a cutter that could easily and safely open delivery boxes, food packaging, PET bottle labels, and more—shaped like a charming little snail.”
[Image: Snail Unboxing Cutter – A symbol of sustainable design]
PIGLAB’s startup journey began with this creative, snail-shaped cutting tool made from recycled wood.
Q. Tell us more about the product.
“As of 2021, Koreans receive an average of 70 parcels per year. That little thrill of opening a package is something everyone can relate to. But sometimes, the process goes wrong—damaged goods, or even injury. That’s why having a dedicated tool matters. The Snail Unboxing Cutter features a ceramic blade and non-slip grip, making it both safe and functional. Plus, thanks to the embedded magnet, you can stick it on your fridge or entryway as a decorative object that’s always within reach.”
Q. How did you incorporate environmental value into the product?
“The cutter is inspired by the Korean land snail, a species classified as Level II endangered in Korea. This design choice raises awareness through an emotional, character-driven form. And because we wanted to go beyond symbolism, the cutter is made of a bio-material called CXP (Cellulose Cross-linked Polymer)—a non-toxic, wood-based alternative to plastic. It’s derived from discarded or scrap wood, contributing to sustainable forestry and reducing environmental harm.”
[Image: GD Award Silver Prize]
The Snail Unboxing Cutter received the Silver Prize in the 2023 Good Design Award.
Q. What’s next for PIGLAB?
“In the short term, we plan to expand distribution and begin exporting the cutter internationally. Beyond that, we’re developing the Forest Project and Ocean Project to grow our product line. Up next is a turtle-shaped bottle opener, made from recycled fishing nets—designed to help people, especially women, children, and seniors, easily open bottles and cans. Ultimately, our goal is to evolve into a company that not only designs products but also develops materials and manages production internally.”
Q. Any final message to readers?
“At PIGLAB, we aim to create designs that spark joy while promoting eco-friendly values. Even if our pace is slow, we’ll continue moving forward with conviction. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife—who deeply believes in our mission—and my family, for their constant support.”
Source: Issue Maker Magazine
🌍 Designing with the Earth in Mind
Plastic, once hailed as the “greatest invention of the 20th century” for its durability, has now become a leading environmental threat for the very same reason—it doesn’t break down. While it only takes minutes to use, it can take centuries to decompose. Easily discarded and rarely recycled, plastic waste continues to disrupt ecosystems worldwide.
Cho Sung Hyun, Founder of PIGLAB
Product Inspired by Green
Finding proper ways to handle plastic waste has become a global challenge. This is where upcycling emerges—a creative and responsible approach that transforms discarded resources into valuable new products. As the concept of conscious consumption grows, upcycling is evolving beyond a grassroots movement into a legitimate industry.
Among this movement is the Korean startup PIGLAB, known for developing eco-friendly lifestyle goods by upcycling discarded materials. Their debut product, the Snail Unboxing Cutter, launched through crowdfunding and quickly caught the attention of consumers. It was also awarded the Silver Prize in the Good Design Award (hosted by the Korea Institute of Design Promotion), under the Minister of SMEs and Startups.
We sat down with Cho Sung Hyun, the founder, to learn more about his journey and vision for sustainable design.
Q. What inspired you to start PIGLAB?
“For nearly 15 years, I worked as a product designer with a strong sense of pride in creating items that improve daily life. But at the same time, I became increasingly aware of the environmental cost of mass-produced plastic. That tension pushed me to take a small but meaningful step—starting PIGLAB to develop sustainable products that embody the principles of eco-conscious design.”
Q. Why did you choose the Snail Unboxing Cutter as your first product?
“When launching my own brand, I held a core belief: don’t create trash out of trash. As an upcycling brand, I didn’t want to make disposable items. I wanted to create something useful for daily life. So I began designing a cutter that could easily and safely open delivery boxes, food packaging, PET bottle labels, and more—shaped like a charming little snail.”
[Image: Snail Unboxing Cutter – A symbol of sustainable design]
PIGLAB’s startup journey began with this creative, snail-shaped cutting tool made from recycled wood.
Q. Tell us more about the product.
“As of 2021, Koreans receive an average of 70 parcels per year. That little thrill of opening a package is something everyone can relate to. But sometimes, the process goes wrong—damaged goods, or even injury. That’s why having a dedicated tool matters. The Snail Unboxing Cutter features a ceramic blade and non-slip grip, making it both safe and functional. Plus, thanks to the embedded magnet, you can stick it on your fridge or entryway as a decorative object that’s always within reach.”
Q. How did you incorporate environmental value into the product?
“The cutter is inspired by the Korean land snail, a species classified as Level II endangered in Korea. This design choice raises awareness through an emotional, character-driven form. And because we wanted to go beyond symbolism, the cutter is made of a bio-material called CXP (Cellulose Cross-linked Polymer)—a non-toxic, wood-based alternative to plastic. It’s derived from discarded or scrap wood, contributing to sustainable forestry and reducing environmental harm.”
[Image: GD Award Silver Prize]
The Snail Unboxing Cutter received the Silver Prize in the 2023 Good Design Award.
Q. What’s next for PIGLAB?
“In the short term, we plan to expand distribution and begin exporting the cutter internationally. Beyond that, we’re developing the Forest Project and Ocean Project to grow our product line. Up next is a turtle-shaped bottle opener, made from recycled fishing nets—designed to help people, especially women, children, and seniors, easily open bottles and cans. Ultimately, our goal is to evolve into a company that not only designs products but also develops materials and manages production internally.”
Q. Any final message to readers?
“At PIGLAB, we aim to create designs that spark joy while promoting eco-friendly values. Even if our pace is slow, we’ll continue moving forward with conviction. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my wife—who deeply believes in our mission—and my family, for their constant support.”
Source: Issue Maker Magazine