Marilu Valente completed her studies in architecture in London, during which she developed a strong focus on sustainable design. She worked for several international design firms such as Atelier Jean Nouvel and Heatherwick studios before shifting her career from architect to entrepreneur in sustainable product design. She learnt a great deal on innovation and technology for sustainability while working at Siemens at the Crystal. She freelanced as a designer before co-founding Binee, a startup which offers an electronic waste collection service through intelligent recycling bins. Her design portfolio explores industrial products with a lower environmental impact and takes inspiration from cradle to cradle and bio-mimetic principles. Her award-winning designs include an office desk made from bio-plastic and Nepenthes, a more sustainable personal care packaging system.
