Design agency Morrama has partnered with 3D-manufacturing studio Batch.Works to create headphones for kids that were designed to be assembled and repaired by the children themselves.

The colourful headphones, named Kibu, are aimed at 5 to 11-year-olds and were designed to educate and empower children through hands-on learning.

The product has been shortlisted in the sustainable design category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

The headphones are designed to be built by children

Kibu headphones come as a collection of plastic parts made from recycled polylactic acid, or PLA, which is sourced from agricultural packaging waste.

The softer components, such as the headband cushion, are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Each part is interchangeable and easily snaps together, without screws or glue, encouraging children to build the device and explore how each element works.

The product easily snaps together

“This means they [the headphones] can be assembled and disassembled with little hands,” explained Batch.Works. “Engaging with the assembly of products provides children with a better understanding and appreciation of the objects they use and interact with.”

The design studio explained that each of the recycled plastic parts is crafted by a fused deposition modelling process (FDM), which layers each plastic piece onto the other, creating visible layers.

Each pair of headphones is printed on demand to save energy and resources.

The headphones can be assembled without screw or glue

“Utilising the unique additive manufacturing techniques in collaboration with Batch.Works we wanted to prove that tech can be manufactured locally on demand and look beautiful, whilst building in the foundation for a repairable and recyclable solution,” Morrama said.

“The project promotes a circular economy by extending product lifespan through repairability and part replacement.”

The product aims to educate and empower children through hands-on learning

The headphones are adapted to changing head sizes. Children can also customise the headphones by picking from a variety of colours.

“More than just a tech accessory, Kibu headphones are an educational tool and creative outlet, redefining how children interact with and understand the products they use,” Morrama said.

Every pair is manufactured and packaged by Batch.Works in Dalston, London.

Batch.Works is currently developing embedded invisible identifiers in each part to enable full traceability of batches and materials.

The studio explained that it aims to pave the way for “data-driven recycling” and a circular system with a traceable legacy.

Each pair of headphones is printed on demand

“Every pair of Kibu headphones contributes to reducing plastic waste and promoting renewable materials, making them the ideal choice for families who care about the planet,” said Morrama.

“The commitment to sustainability goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials; it encompasses the entire product lifecycle, from manufacturing to end-of-life recycling.”

The softer components, such as the headband cushion, are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

Other recent headphone designs featured on Dezeen include Nothing Ear (3) headphones that feature AI-powered noise cancellation and Dyson’s OnTrac noise-cancelling headphones, which are the brand’s first-ever audio-only headphones.

The post Kibu children’s headphones are crafted from agricultural packaging waste appeared first on Dezeen.