Mini guide: A sustainable DDW

Okay, okay, as an avid visitor, you know better than anyone else that sustainability (in the broadest sense of the word) plays an important role during Dutch Design Week. Is this your first DDW? Then you're going to experience just that! From social impact to ecologically responsible fashion, all designs and expos have a link to sustainability. And let's not forget: you, too, can make your visit to DDW 2025 a little more sustainable. We share all the tips & tricks below. 

Transportation

Our practical guide tips everything about transportation to and within the city. You probably guessed it: by bike or on foot is simply the most sustainable option. You can rent a bike at Ketelhuisplein or Fuutlaan. Traveling by train? Continue your journey with an OV-bike from the Central Station or Station Strijp-S. Prefer to go by car? With a DDW wristband, you can get a free ride in one of the Design Rides, which, not coincidentally, are fully electric. Enjoy the ride! 

Shopping

Beware: all those beautiful designs can make you greedy (we've warned you). Small-scale, vintage, locally produced, or made from leftover materials, at the following shops and ateliers, you’ll find everything your green heart desires: 

• TWEEK Eek: Twin sisters Roos and Geertje Eek make machine-inspired jewelry. See their creations (of which many fashion magazines are fans) with your own eyes in their new showroom or the Piet Hein Eek shop. 

• Sectie-C: Lovers of vintage and handmade interior gems should not miss the ateliers at Sectie-C.  

• Kiki & Joost: In their refreshed studio, you’ll find a bargain corner with statement design pieces alongside a shop filled with unique textiles, including Kiki van Eijk’s iconic Botanica tea towels, created in collaboration with the TextielMuseum.

Food and drinks

Design shopping on an empty stomach is an absolute no-go (we know this from experience). Fortunately, the choice is vast when it comes to fine eateries, also with sustainability in mind. Wether you opt for a break at one of the designhotspots or head straight to one of the vegan restaurants, here are our tips:

• Brasserie NEXT: Want to know what the future tastes like? Brasserie NEXT at Evoluon does things differently, from jellyfish sandwiches to space cake.

• Tea Stories: Completely plant-based! From bubble tea and matcha lattes to avocado toast.

• Rabauw: Not only is the beer brewed on location, but the people here are also super social. 

• Jungle Café: Plant-based, healthy, and bio. What else do we need to say?

Exhibitions

The theme of Dutch Design Week 2025 is Past. Present. Possible, marking the 25th edition by reflecting on standout projects from years past while boldly imagining the future of design. Innovation, creativity, and unexpected discoveries are always just around the corner at DDW. These exhibitions perfectly capture that energy:

Rewind: At Vattenfall, they think beyond just generating green energy. Last year, they transformed a wind turbine into a tiny house. This year, they’re taking it further by exploring the inside of the nacelle—where technology and sustainability meet.

Poma/Olera - setting a future food table: After seeing this exhibition, you’ll think twice before throwing away food. Their creative designs inspire small, positive shifts in how we eat and value what’s on our plates.

Shift Happens – Wear Your Keyboard: Imagine working without ever being tied to a desk. With Typeware, that’s possible: move freely, work wherever you like, and stay productive while enjoying the outdoors.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 2025: In 2025, designing a shoe goes beyond sketches and materials. Designers are experimenting with vacuum forming and 3D printing, pushing the boundaries of production. At the Schoenenlab, craftsmanship and technology collide—see how the process unfolds.

PHYGITAL SEASONING: Ever noticed how supermarkets smell like fresh fruit? Retailers, restaurants, and brands have long used scent, color, shape, and sound to influence our taste. Discover how digital and physical stimuli can transform our eating experiences!

Sustainable visit for those who don’t live in Eindhoven

There are many ways to make your visit to Dutch Design Week a little greener. But perhaps our biggest tip: stick around while you’re here! This way, you not only make your DDW trip more profitable (because more days = more time to indulge in design), but you can also get to know Eindhoven a little better. Like to plan your trip with us? We'd love to share our ten tips for a sustainable city trip here. We also know a thing or two on spending the night in Eindhoven. Looking for a design hotel, anyone?