rareraw x MOHEIM - SWING BIN special collaboration model - Part2
MOHEIM's creative director Shigeichiro Takeuchi and rareraw staff members talk about the project's background and even difficulties in development.
(Part2)
SWING BIN – the most iconic item among the MOHEIM collections – has been described as “the most beautiful garbage can in the world.”
It can be considered the origin of the MOHEIM brand. In 2024, MOHEIM celebrates its 10th anniversary, and has started a collaboration with the Korean design brand “rareraw” to create an unprecedented special model of SWING BIN.
MOHEIM’s creative director Shigeichiro Takeuchi and rareraw staff members talk about the project’s background and even difficulties in development.
MOHEIM STORY
From the “rareraw x MOHEIM – SWING BIN special collaboration model – Part1”
—— What were your ideas and thoughts for the collaboration model in the beginning?
rareraw
The initial collaboration model approached the project by changing the CMF (color, material, finish). The goal was to produce the SWING BIN using rareraw’s primary material, iron, and finish it with a powder coating. However, the development of the SWING BIN collaboration model required a different approach. Ultimately, the product was shaped through extrusion molding and completed with an anodized finish.
—— What was the goal of the development of this collaboration model?
rareraw
The ultimate goal of the final collaboration model was to develop the product in a way that makes it feel like a design object. To achieve the beauty found in simplicity, it was also necessary to minimize processing and manufacturing. Extrusion molding was the ideal method to meet all these requirements. This approach reduced the need for additional processing for the stopper and enhanced the product’s value through its visually simple design and hidden functional elements.
—— What were the challenges in development?
rareraw
The circular shape of the body was the most crucial factor for the opening and closing of the SWING BIN lid. While there were various methods to manufacture the body, achieving a perfect circular form was challenging.
After testing multiple manufacturing techniques, extrusion molding was found to be the optimal solution.
Shige
In other words, making the SWING BIN in metal was a struggle against “accuracy.”
The lid had to be a “perfect circle” so that it would open and close smoothly, and it had to be “seamless” in its manufacture.
—— It seems it took quite a long time to actually create a satisfactory collaboration model of SWING BIN.
Shige
To achieve the minimalist appearance of the SWING BIN, the development team at rareraw has tried all kinds of manufacturing methods.
The captions from the left: Rolling metal / Not an exact circle. / There is a gap between the lid and the body.
First, we tried various processes on a rolled metal sheet, but unfortunately, an accurate circle could not be achieved.
Next, in the search for a more accurate cylinder, we decided to use an aluminum pipe made by extrusion.
However, when we actually cut and processed it, the cross section was angled excessively and there was a gap between the lid and the body.
I am very grateful for the strength and desire of the development team at rareraw to try so many different methods over and over again.
—— Is there any particular detail that you have focused on and paid attention to?
rareraw
The original SWING BIN has a stopper inside the body that allows the open lid to return to its original position. We explored various approaches to implementing the stopper. The processing method of the stopper significantly influenced the appearance of the SWING BIN as a design object. To maintain the concept of the SWING BIN, the implementation of the stopper was the most critical aspect, and we dedicated the most effort to perfecting it.
Shige
I was very surprised when I received the report because it was an idea that I would never have thought of. I am very pleased that they made so many samples with different manufacturing methods and examined them from different angles, thus keeping the concept of the SWING BIN alive.
—— The collaboration model SWING BIN has been available in Korea since the end of March 2025. What is the reaction of users?
Ever since the 10 COLORS event, the SWING BIN has garnered a lot of attention, and we’ve received numerous inquiries about its arrival.
As soon as it launched, customers who had been waiting began placing their orders right away. With growing interest, we’re expecting a high volume of orders.
—— Please let us know about rareraw’s vision for the future, and possible collaboration with MOHEIM.
rareraw
We are currently looking for overseas dealers to help bring the 10 COLORS products and more, including the SWING BIN, to a wider audience. Expanding global sales is one of our key goals for this year.
We would like to continue working on various projects as a good partner with MOHEIM.
ABOUT rareraw
The name “rareraw,” is a combination of “rare” and “raw (essence).”
It means that only the essence of raw materials is shown to create special results, making special products by bringing out the essence of raw materials, RARE PRESENCE – RAW MATERIALITY
rareraw makes small changes in our lifestyle with details that make you feel curious.
rareraw also thinks about sustainability in the manufacturing process and creates unique products through various collaborations with designers and makers.
