Australian lighting manufacturer Rakumba, in collaboration with design studio Studio Truly Truly, has developed Big Glow, a lighting collection made from nonwoven Australian wool blended with plant-based compostable fibres. The project combines sustainable material innovation with functional and aesthetic lighting design. It is particularly relevant for architects, interior designers, and product designers interested in biobased materials, circularity, and acoustic performance.

Material Innovation
The central material innovation of Big Glow lies in the use of Australian wool, combined with plant-based, compostable fibres. This nonwoven wool blend is processed under heat and pressure to create translucent, sound-absorbing panels suitable for interior lighting applications. The resulting material offers a soft, natural light diffusion and enhances acoustic comfort.

All wool used is sourced locally within Victoria, Australia, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the production chain. Combined with natural bioplastics, the wool panels are biodegradable, recyclable, and certified compostable, making them a renewable alternative to conventional synthetic lighting materials.

Functional and Sustainable Design
Big Glow reinterprets the classic glowing sphere luminaire through a sustainable and functional approach. Each light includes two independent LED lighting functions: a diffused ambient glow and engineered downward illumination. The luminaires are offered in multiple sizes (Ø650 mm to Ø1100 mm), metal finishes, colour temperatures, and dimming options, including Casambi wireless control.

The product design also addresses sustainability in distribution. The large-scale luminaires are constructed for easy disassembly and compact packaging, reducing transport volume and associated environmental impact.

Acoustic and Aesthetic Qualities
The wool-based panels not only diffuse light but also offer acoustic absorption, contributing to improved sound quality in interior spaces. The organic nature of the material introduces subtle variations in texture and appearance, making each Big Glow luminaire visually unique.

Circularity and Local Production
Big Glow’s production process is localised within Victoria, Australia, from wool-growing to final assembly. This approach supports local industry and reduces the carbon footprint related to transportation. The project also received technical support from The Woolmark Company, further promoting the application of wool beyond textiles.

By combining renewable materials, acoustic functionality, and responsible production methods, Big Glow offers an example of how natural fibres can be integrated into contemporary lighting and product design with a focus on sustainability, circularity, and transparency.

Source & Photos: Rakumba & Studio Truly Truly