Caldea – Upcycled Passion Fruit Modular Aromatic System for Circular Design

University Center Armando Alvares Penteado – FAAP

Caldea responds to the large volume of organic waste generated by the passion fruit processing chain, where the majority of the fruit, particularly the peel and seeds, is discarded. Situated at the intersection of food processing and small-scale manufacturing, the project proposes a circular solution that transforms this abundant residue into locally produced biomaterials for everyday objects. By converting waste into meaningful, regionally rooted products, Caldea reduces disposal impacts, fosters local material literacy and creates economic opportunities for small producers and workshops seeking sustainable, context-specific alternatives to petrochemical materials.  
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Bioeconomy
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Ecodesign
Low-impact Textiles
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Product Passport
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Traceability
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Circular Business Models
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Life-Cycle Thinking
Caldea is a modular candelabrum system crafted from a biomaterial derived primarily from passion fruit peel and a plant-based resin. The project follows the waste hierarchy by prioritising prevention through valorisation: organic by-products are upcycled into higher-value design objects rather than discarded. Production relies on accessible, low-energy techniques, including digital prototyping to create masters, silicone moulding for replication and small-batch moulding, enabling replication by local workshops. The candelabrum’s modularity encourages repair, reconfiguration and extended use. Its aromatic and sensory qualities increase user attachment and delay disposal. The material’s compostability enables its safe return to biological cycles at the end of its useful life.  
The design choice has not yet been supported by a Life Cycle Assessment measurement. Caldea demonstrates a viable pathway for converting a widely available food-processing residue into functional, locally producible biomaterials for design objects. Its impacts include significant waste-diversion potential, reduced dependence on petrochemical inputs, low-energy and low-tech production suitable for decentralised manufacturing, and strengthened local supply chains and livelihoods. The modular, sensory product strategy increases product lifespan and user engagement, while compostability ensures end-of-life recovery.  

TEAM DI RICERCA
Danilo Gonçalves de Farias, Giovana Silveira Rosa, Prof. Milton Francisco Junior, Prof. Vania Perrotti Pires Graziato