Edinburgh Napier University

  Using the SFC Innovation voucher scheme, Edinburgh design company With Kerlaff worked with the Institute for Creative Industries in researching the potential for the use of exhausted whiskey barrel staves, an abundant industrial by-product, in the design of promotional materials for the Scottish Malt Whiskey Industry. This exploratory project resulted in the development of new manufacturing and fabrication processes and the production of exciting forms of packaging and display. The challenge with barrel staves, always made from oak, is that they are within a set dimension and bent. This limits the use, but where there are constraints, there are also opportunities. Initially flat sheet composite panels were formed from slices. The process of cutting and reforming the staves evolved into casting new forms, leading to the development of display cases and a tasting table.