The next Ideas Café is a combined event between two of our Global Research Priorities – Materials and Innovative Manufacturing - on the topic of 'Sustainable Luxury'. Join us on Tuesday 3 June 2014 from 5-7.30pm.

Sustainable Luxury

This event brings together academics who work on the Materials and Innovative Manufacturing Global Research Priorities to explore questions and prompt debate about ‘Sustainable Luxury’. Is luxury sustainable? Or does luxury necessarily imply exclusivity and items made from materials of limited supply?

There is a perception that luxury items are made from ‘traditional’ materials (wood, metal, stone); we can now make equivalent and better performing substitutes from sustainable sources but are they ‘acceptable’? Anyone for synthetic diamonds, cultured pearls or a plastic beer glass?
Advances in technology lead to faster, smaller, more powerful and efficient devices, spreading availability to the masses while generating wealth and employment. But what becomes of the previous generation of devices now redundant and discarded? And why do we need to keep up-dating to the latest version – function or fashion?

Enormous savings in natural resources can be made by reusing and recycling materials. So if you are happy to sit on a park bench made from recycled bottles would you drive a car powered by used cooking oil or take a tablet made from recycled waste?

After a series of short talks on the topic of Sustainable Luxury, you will have a chance to discuss the theme with those around you, to ask the panel questions, engage in the general debate and enjoy a buffet dinner and glass of wine.

What is an Ideas Café?

Ideas Café is a series of evening events where you can hear Warwick academics speak about a selected theme while you eat. You'll be invited to offer your own thoughts - scribbling them on notice boards and table mats for others to read. The Ideas Café is an interactive event, bringing together researchers from across the University with a wide audience of staff, students, alumni and members of the local community.

Find out more about the event and register to attend on the Ideas Café webpages.