'World's first' cardboard vacuum cleaner at IFA

A vacuum cleaner made mostly of cardboard, which the manufacturers claim to be a 'world first,' will be on display at consumer electronics and technology show IFA in Berlin.

The vacuum cleaner - called the Vax ev -was designed by student Jake Tyler of Loughborough University in the UK in cooperation with vacuum manufacturers Vax.

The Vax ev is made largely of corrugated cardboard panels with a flame retardant coating; parts that could not be produced from cardboard were made using recyclable nylon plastic.

The Vax ev boasts several sustainable design credentials: for instance, the multipurpose recycled and recyclable cardboard panels that form the vacuum cleaner also form part of the box in which the Vax ev is sold, and the plastic parts are designed to be easily manufactured locally thereby reducing emissions associated with transport.

Though the product is not currently available, according to a recent press release Vax is considering producing a limited-edition number of Vax evs.

The Vax ev was first unveiled on June 30 and will be on display September 2-7 at IFA, one of the biggest consumer technology and electronics shows of the year attracting over 1,400 exhibitors from around the world.

Exhibiting alongside Vax at this year's event will be some of the biggest names in household electronics and appliances including Electrolux, AEG, Miele, Philips, Sharp and many others.

IFA: www.ifa-berlin.com