Swatchbox, the leading material sample platform for architects and designers, has introduced a first-of-its-kind circular sampling program that has shown a reduction in material sample waste by up to 90% in participating architecture and design firms.

The program, called Second Life Samples™, facilitates the take-back and reuse of material samples from architecture and design firms, diverting usable materials from landfills and placing them back into circulation for use by other building professionals.

Since its launch in 2018, Swatchbox has provided free return services for samples ordered from the Swatchbox platform. The launch of Second Life Samples expands this service to include any material samples in complete, undamaged condition, whether they came from Swatchbox or somewhere else. This opens the door for firms to sustainably recirculate any material stored in their sample libraries that they no longer need for reference.

Returned samples are analyzed and graded using a proprietary process that includes an AI visual engine to assess material condition and assign identifying information such as brand name, product line, and SKU. Once processed, the samples are stocked in Swatchbox fulfillment centers and made available on the Swatchbox platform for use by other architects and designers, restoring their value and diverting them from landfills. 

Unlabeled, discontinued, or lightly worn samples are made available to students and educators. Any material that is not recoverable due to damage is then processed through Swatchbox recycling partners.

Swatchbox has completed a private beta of the program with key architecture and design partners in the U.S. and the U.K., including Gensler, Perkins + Will, and other practices. 

“At Swatchbox, we’re architects first, and we’re reshaping how the industry thinks about material sampling,” said Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Swatchbox parent Anguleris. “Second Life strikes at a problem we know well: waste. Today, we’re closing the loop on the sampling problem. Architects can now design smarter, move faster, and build a better world without sacrificing sustainability for innovation.”

Participation in the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program can contribute to AEC firms’ progress toward sustainability certifications, such as LEED (USGBC), AIA 2030 Commitment, Living Building Challenge, and WELL Building Standard. 

The Second Life Samples program is open to Swatchbox firm partners throughout the U.S. and U.K. To learn more about the program and to apply to participate, visit https://secondlife.swatchbox.com.