Circular Design
We all know that plastic pollution is an enormous problem. But few know about how exactly plastic contributes to global warming.
Plastic and global Warming
The problem starts with extraction and transportation. Also, just 16% of plastics are recycled – the rest goes to landfill for incineration. Burning plastics releases a cocktail of poisonous chemicals that damage the health of the planet and the people exposed to the polluted air. Many plastics end up in the ocean, where they release greenhouse gases as they slowly break down. So researchers suggest that microplastics affect the ability of marine microorganisms to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. As it does, sunlight and heat cause the plastic to release powerful greenhouse gases, leading to an alarming feedback loop.
Circular Economy
So the circular economy is a crucial part of the solution to climate change. As plastic that can’t be eliminated from the system needs to be reusable, recyclable or recyclable.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
“A circular economy could cut the volume of plastics entering our oceans by 80% each year. It could also generate annual savings of $200 billion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and create 700,000 net additional jobs by 2040
Sustainable Design
It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. Throughout the design process, we can make the economy work for people, businesses, and nature.
THE PLÚSTIC LAB
In our laboratory of sustainability, the Plústic Lab, we design limited edition collectible pieces that utilise upcycled plastics, transforming plastic waste into original objects, furniture, and art, supporting ‘A new vision for Europe’s plastics economy’.
We want to take part in “a smart, innovative and sustainable plastics industry, where design and production fully respect the needs of reuse, repair, and recycling, brings growth and jobs to Europe and helps cut EU’s greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels”.
Our project is targeted to a selected audience, from art collectors to design lovers, who want to enrich their lives with meaningful objects and contribute to making a collective change in perspective.