Eva Brunner – Reviving Urban Colours through Circular Screen Printing
Eva Brunner’s journey into circular economy innovation began with a profound passion for textile design and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the textile industry. After graduating in Textile Design from Hochschule Luzern, she dove into silkscreen printing. Her drive to create sustainable, locally inspired designs led her to investigate alternative colouring methods, particularly the potential of organic and mineral pigments.
While researching colour options, Eva encountered a pivotal challenge: the lack of suitable, environmentally friendly pigments that could be used in her small studio setup. Undeterred, she embarked on a self-guided exploration into creating her own colours. With support from Atelier Mondial, Eva refined her techniques and developed a printing process using organic pigments. Over time, her focus shifted to mineral pigments for their lightfastness and lower resource consumption. Her research eventually evolved into the „Basler Erdfarben“ project, where she collaborated with designers Zoe Vai and Leonie Amsler, examining the potential of Basel’s urban earth colours. This work inspired her to repurpose local construction materials for pigment extraction, intertwining art with urban mining and sustainability.
Crafting with Urban Colours
Eva’s circular screen printing process reimagines waste materials from construction sites as art. The technique involves selecting specific mineral materials, grinding them to a fine powder, and conducting a series of tests to find the ideal screen printing recipe. Her prints, marked by geometric designs and a rich earth-toned palette, transform coarse urban minerals into soft, intricate prints on textiles. Each piece tells a story of place, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, making her work both a functional and artistic addition to any space.
These unique creations hold particular appeal for project managers, architects, and managers of public or residential spaces. Eva’s designs can help divide areas, enhance acoustics, and offer a unique visual narrative of locality—all while being sustainable and deeply connected to the surroundings.
Driving Regenerative Economy through Colour
Eva’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond design. Aiming to reduce the environmental toll of the textile industry, she has developed a resource-conscious screen printing method using reusable and compostable materials. By sourcing pigments from building waste, her work not only prevents additional waste but also champions a regenerative approach. In doing so, she provides a compelling alternative for environmentally conscious designers and clients in an industry long criticised for its high levels of pollution.
Building Connections through the PLUS Incubator
Joining the PLUS Incubator has been a transformative experience for Eva, allowing her to connect with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges. The programme offers her invaluable coaching with Andrea Christancho, whose insights provide Eva with fresh perspectives on her work. For Eva, this network of support and professional feedback helps her strengthen both her business model and personal motivation.
” The wish to create a startup has also existed for a long time. The PLUS Incubator from Impact Hub Basel is the perfect format to finally formalise my work.”
Looking Ahead
Eva’s vision for her startup extends far into the future. She aims to foster a greater appreciation for colour, encouraging people to use existing resources instead of creating new ones. Her goal is to eventually scale her technique to industrial levels, which will help her measure the environmental benefits more effectively.
Eva believes that by imbuing spaces with local colours and sustainable materials, people will form deeper emotional connections to their environments, creating a more sustainable and conscious society.
A Call to Collaborate
Eva is actively seeking collaborations, especially with those who have ideas or access to mineral waste materials. If you’re interested in her project or would like to discuss a potential partnership, she warmly invites you to connect. Follow her on social media or reach out directly to learn more about her work, and join her in championing a regenerative approach to design and colour.
