This pretty speaker is made from old melted Barbies

Gomi, a sustainable design studio in the U.K., has given old Barbie dolls a new purpose by transforming them into tech products for the Childhood Memories Collection. This collaboration with Mattel turns plastic dolls into unique items such as $371 speakers, $95 power banks, $61 wireless chargers, and $45 tracker tags. The items are made from recycled plastic, which is melted into a marbled pattern of Barbie dolls, accessories, and other recovered plastics, creating a vibrant palette of colors.

The batteries for the speakers and power banks also originate from recycled lithium, sourced from damaged and retired e-bike batteries. Founded in 2017, Gomi specializes in creating sustainable technology products, particularly focusing on flexible plastic waste, which is rarely recycled in the U.K. The company first produced a speaker in 2023, made from the equivalent of about 44 plastic bags.

The swirl effect on the products is achieved by melting the plastic at the lowest possible temperature, stacking color layers, twisting them by hand, and cutting the pieces. Despite the challenges posed by varying plastic quality and shrink rates, Gomi compensates with a textured mold to ensure each piece is visually appealing.

The collaboration with Mattel came about after the 2023 Barbie movie release, with Gomi's cofounder Tom Meades reaching out to the brand months later. The official partnership brings significant brand recognition to Gomi's product line, while also offering a more colorful and playful design compared to some of their other products. Meades also highlights the sentimental value of the items, noting that few electronics have such a strong emotional attachment.

The initiative reflects a growing trend among toy manufacturers to provide consumers with a way to return toys after they have outlived their usefulness. For instance, Hasbro launched a toy recycling program in 2018, while Lego began recycling and repackaging old Legos in 2019 to donate to educators and community groups. Mattel, too, launched a PlayBack program in 2021 to accept old Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price toys, which are then recycled and repurposed into new items, such as playground equipment.

Gomi's work demonstrates that there is still a commercial life for old Barbie dolls and accessories, transforming them into functional items that evoke nostalgia and practical use.