Swedish design student Rickard Hederstierna from Lund Institute of Technology in Sweden won the Electrolux Design Lab 2009 competition for his “Cocoon” concept. The announcement was made at the Electrolux Design Lab final in London last September.

“Cocoon” is a sustainable response to the world’s growing population and its desire to consume meat and fish. Similar to heating popcorn in a microwave, Cocoon prepares genetically engineered and prepackaged meat and fish dishes by heating muscle cells identified by radio frequency identification (RFID) signals. The signals detect the specific dish and then suggest the required cooking time. This process uses science to create food, lifting a burden on the planet by reducing the need for further intensive farming and fishing. The negative effects of this process, including the mass transportation of food around the world, clearing of land and distortion of ecosystems, are then negated.

A jury of internationally-recognized designers awarded Cocoon first prize in the competition as the concept was seen to “address a controversial issue that is very real: humankind’s continued desire to eat meat and fish.A great design concept polarizes opinion, and this is exactly what Cocoon achieves by exploring this issue. An inviting, tactile design, the Cocoon resembles a gemstone with a metal accent reflecting the heritage of the Swedish art-glass industry. Cocoon meets all of the brief’s criteria: it is daring, cutting edge and truly innovative in its focus on social and environmental issues.

Electrolux look forward to welcoming Rikard when he starts his placement at the Electrolux Design Centre in Stockholm and thank all of the entrants for the 2009 competition.