”Return to the soil” circular sensors
SANKEN, Osaka University
Story
The focus of my project was to explore sustainable alternatives for black and white film photography’s chemical processes. Traditional developing and fixing processes in film photography rely on toxic chemicals like hydroquinone and ammonium thiosulfate, and their disposal poses a major ecological risk. Growing up in Naples, where toxic waste dumping is a critical issue, I felt compelled to seek alternatives that wouldn’t contribute further to environmental harm. During my Tech Fellowship at Rijksakademie, I researched and developed new techniques that replace hazardous chemicals with natural and biodegradable substitutes. I identified ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a safe developing agent and formulated an eco-friendly developer with sodium ascorbate and natural phenols from blueberries, which allowed for effective film processing without traditional toxic developers. Similarly, I substituted the stop bath with a simple solution of rainwater and vinegar and experimented with a salt-based fixer, using sustainable accelerants like sulfenic acid from onions and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) to speed up the process.
This approach has been received positively in the photographic community, particularly among photographers committed to reducing their ecological footprint. The impact extends to environmental sustainability, with significant reduction in chemical pollution and potential reuse of film materials. I am developing recipes and guidelines to share these eco-friendly methods with the wider photography community, fostering a shift towards greener practices. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to pursue environmentally conscious approaches to art and chemical-based processes, while also laying the groundwork for sustainable practices in creative industries.