the new raw plastic workshop in syros investigates sustainable solutions to plastic pollution

the new raw plastic workshop in syros investigates sustainable solutions to plastic pollution

‘the new raw plastic’ is a hands-on design workshop that investigates the capacity of digital fabrication techniques to provide a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. the first program took place in september 2015 in the greek island of syros. the one week project investigated how 3D printing can be a catalyst in areas of high insularity by turning plastic waste into raw material for cultural entrepreneurship.

participants involved in the workshop recycled on site plastic waste

each summer, thousands of people around the world travel to greek islands to spend their summer vacations. the population of these small islands instantly increases by 300%, which is much higher than the average they are normally accustomed to. people bring plastic waste which is sometimes collected and shipped back to the central recycling facility in athens, but in most cases it stays on the island and pollutes the beautiful beaches and natural environment.

‘missing part’ – a construction material for building cracks

‘the new raw plastic’ invited 27 participants from the fields of industrial design, architecture, fine arts and environmentalism to observe and experience the local conditions of plastic waste treatment in the greek island of syros. the participants recycled on site plastic waste and were introduced to the production technique of 3D printing and circular economy methodologies. at the end, they produced five design and business concepts that made use of the discarded PET water bottles as a raw material for 3D printing.

‘PET for pets’ – 3D printed house concept for the expanding population of stray cats on the island

‘bottle up’ – a recycling system which rewards children with a personal piece from a large 3D printed puzzle

‘re_stool’ – compresses plastic waste by using the energy of the simple everyday action of sitting

ReCYCLAD3D – 3D cinema glasses made from recycled plastic materials

extrusions of recycled plastic cups

3d printing with recycled bottle caps

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: hollie smith | designboom