"There are professions more harmful than industrial design, but only a few of them." — Victor Papanek.

In 1971, Victor Papanek authored what is still considered the reference for design that is mindful of the social and environmental impact of products. Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change transformed the way designers approached their craft by advocating for a new philosophy: design should serve humanity and the planet, not just commerce. Papanek criticized the wastefulness and ethical shortcomings of a consumer-driven society, emphasizing that designers hold significant responsibility in shaping a sustainable future.

Central to Papanek’s vision is the idea that good design should be accessible, durable, and environmentally conscious. He rejected the concept of planned obsolescence, where products are intentionally designed to have a short lifespan, thus contributing to environmental degradation. Instead, he promoted the creation of products that are long-lasting, repairable, and made from sustainable materials.

I left my job in the beauty industry to study industrial design. During this time, Victor Papanek’s thoughts were among the guiding principles in the conception of Mircea. They led us to create a product that defies planned obsolescence, helps you buy less (the refill is almost half the price of the initial purchase), uses zero single-use plastic, and is all about the most sustainable material: paper.

Our conviction is that this should be the standard for all products. Our job is to make this product as pleasing, sensorial, and experiential as possible. Our vision is that our radical eco-conception will become standard practice, and our difference lies in our high-quality ingredients.