LAMPOEP Lamp

stories

transforming
waste into light

Introducing 'LAMPOEP', an innovative lamp born from the collaboration between Cowka, Amsterdam designer Pim van Baarsen, and Indonesian designer Ratna Djwita. This project challenges the notion that waste has no value, transforming liquid tofu waste and cow dung—two overlooked streams—into a contemporary, handcrafted lamp.

LAMPOEP Lamp 2

In a world where waste is often considered worthless, ‘LAMPOEP’
proves its potential. We transform liquid tofu waste into nanocellu
lose for a delicate, light-filtering surface and cow dung into clay
for an earthy coating, creating a lamp that embodies Cowka’s
eco-awareness. As our eco-awareness manifesto states, ‘We
stand for turning waste into design pieces, protecting our planet,
and inspiring a more sustainable way of living.’ This project shifts
perspectives—from waste to resource, from disposable to last
ing—starting a movement for circular design.

“ Highlighting Cowka’s ethos of ‘Local Hands, Global Impact,’ ‘LAMPOEP’ shines at
Erasmus Huis in Jakarta as part of the Design Matters LAB exhibition (February 28–May 3, 2025), illuminating spaces while spotlighting sustainable innovation.

LAMPOEP Lamp

Pim van Baarsen, a senior designer and co-founder of Super Local, brings global sustainability expertise from projects in Nepal, Malawi, and Rwanda, merging innovative design with local knowl edge and materials. Ratna Djiwita, an architect and artist from In donesia, infuses Cowka’s designs with environmental and social consciousness, rooted in her heritage of natural materials and tra ditional techniques. Assisted by Steggy Saurusy, their collabora tion weaves together ancient crafts and modern innovation, craft ing a lamp that bridges cultures and communities in Cowka’s Kam pung Bukatanah workshop

LAMPOEP Lamp 2
LAMPOEP Lamp

In a world where waste is often considered worthless, ‘LAMPOEP’ proves its potential. We transform liquid tofu waste into nanocellulose for a delicate, light-filtering surface and cow dung into clay for an earthy coating, creating a lamp that embodies Cowka’s eco-aware ness. As our eco-awareness manifesto states, ‘We stand for turning waste into design pieces, protecting our planet, and inspiring a more sustainable way of living.’ This project shifts perspectives—from waste to resource, from disposable to lasting—starting a move ment for circular design

Tofu waste becomes nanocellulose, a strong, flexible, and transparent material derived from plant fibers in soy by-products, perfect for softly filtering light. Cow dung is metic ulously processed into clay—cleaned, mixed with binders, and shaped—coating a bamboo frame to give ‘LAMPOEP’ its organic, earthy look. These choices reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and align with Cowka’s regenerative design focus, drawing on re search into nanocellulose from agricultural waste and cow dung ceramics to create a truly eco-friendly product

LAMPOEP Lamp
LAMPOEP Lamp

The journey began with researching tofu waste and cow dung, experimenting with nanocellulose and clay, and designing a hand-woven bamboo frame.

Challenges like ensuring durability and aesthetics were overcome by connecting ancient crafts—like bamboo weaving—with modern techniques, such as processing nanocellulose. In our bamboo workshop in Kampung Bukatanah, Lembang, Bandung Barat, artisans bring this vision to life, blending tradition and innovation to craft a lamp that’s both functional and beautiful

LAMPOEP Lamp
LAMPOEP Lamp

Featured at Erasmus Huis in Jakarta from February 28 to May 3, 2025, ‘LAMPOEP’ addresses global waste challenges through sustainable design, as part of the Design Matters LAB exhibition exploring industrialization and eco-conscious solutions. This recognition follows its roots in Dutch-Indonesian collaboration, spotlighted in sources like National Geographic Indonesia and Erasmus Huis events