pietro quintino sella © 2024
TRASHPAK
2024
SAVE PLASTIC. BACKPACKS MADE FROM TRASH BAGS
Video by : Manfredi Pantanella & Viviana Berti
Music by : Nicolo Bagarotto
Context:
The project addresses the pressing issue of single-use plastic and its detrimental impact on the environment by transforming discarded plastic materials into something of lasting value. Traditional recycling methods for plastic have proven ineffective, with only a small percentage of plastic being recycled due to the vast variety of compositions and chemical additives that make recycling nearly impossible. This project challenges the throwaway culture associated with plastics and aims to repurpose waste materials, breathing new life into them by creating durable, functional products like backpacks. It demonstrates an innovative approach to dealing with plastics, focusing not on recycling but on using the material intelligently and creatively to prevent it from ending up as waste.
By taking one of the most discarded materials—plastic bags—and transforming their destiny, the project highlights how reuse and repurposing can be a sustainable way forward. The goal is to promote the idea that plastic, while problematic in its disposable form, can be a valuable resource if used in a way that ensures its longevity and purpose. This initiative is not about recycling; it's about saving plastic and giving it a new, purposeful life.
Challenges:
Finding a Willing Manufacturer: It was extremely difficult to find a manufacturer open to collaborating on such an unconventional material. Many manufacturers and sewers were hesitant, concerned that their machines wouldn't handle the material or that it wasn't feasible. This mindset of resistance to trying new things added an additional layer of complexity in the early stages of the project.
Material Creation Process: Creating the fabric from plastic bags was initially a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. I spent countless hours wearing a gas mask and ironing discarded plastic materials by hand, often taking up to one and a half hours just to produce enough material for one backpack. Finding a faster and more efficient method was a breakthrough moment for the project. We eventually developed a solution by using a hot press to mimic the ironing process, which allowed us to produce the fabric in seconds. This was a game-changer that made large-scale production feasible.
Launching on Kickstarter and Market Introduction: The next big challenge is launching the product through a Kickstarter campaign, which will be the first formal market entry for the backpacks. The project had its initial public debut at Milan Design Week in 2022, where people had the opportunity to see and interact with the product. Now, we aim to present it to a broader audience. It is important to communicate that this project is not about recycling but about smart use of plastic, changing its destiny from waste to something meaningful and long-lastin
Music by : Nicolo Bagarotto
Context:
The project addresses the pressing issue of single-use plastic and its detrimental impact on the environment by transforming discarded plastic materials into something of lasting value. Traditional recycling methods for plastic have proven ineffective, with only a small percentage of plastic being recycled due to the vast variety of compositions and chemical additives that make recycling nearly impossible. This project challenges the throwaway culture associated with plastics and aims to repurpose waste materials, breathing new life into them by creating durable, functional products like backpacks. It demonstrates an innovative approach to dealing with plastics, focusing not on recycling but on using the material intelligently and creatively to prevent it from ending up as waste.
By taking one of the most discarded materials—plastic bags—and transforming their destiny, the project highlights how reuse and repurposing can be a sustainable way forward. The goal is to promote the idea that plastic, while problematic in its disposable form, can be a valuable resource if used in a way that ensures its longevity and purpose. This initiative is not about recycling; it's about saving plastic and giving it a new, purposeful life.
Challenges:
Finding a Willing Manufacturer: It was extremely difficult to find a manufacturer open to collaborating on such an unconventional material. Many manufacturers and sewers were hesitant, concerned that their machines wouldn't handle the material or that it wasn't feasible. This mindset of resistance to trying new things added an additional layer of complexity in the early stages of the project.
Material Creation Process: Creating the fabric from plastic bags was initially a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. I spent countless hours wearing a gas mask and ironing discarded plastic materials by hand, often taking up to one and a half hours just to produce enough material for one backpack. Finding a faster and more efficient method was a breakthrough moment for the project. We eventually developed a solution by using a hot press to mimic the ironing process, which allowed us to produce the fabric in seconds. This was a game-changer that made large-scale production feasible.
Launching on Kickstarter and Market Introduction: The next big challenge is launching the product through a Kickstarter campaign, which will be the first formal market entry for the backpacks. The project had its initial public debut at Milan Design Week in 2022, where people had the opportunity to see and interact with the product. Now, we aim to present it to a broader audience. It is important to communicate that this project is not about recycling but about smart use of plastic, changing its destiny from waste to something meaningful and long-lastin
Contact for inquiries or collabs on this project :