What is Precious Plastic?
Precious Plastic is a global community-driven initiative focused on combating plastic pollution by promoting innovative recycling practices. Established in 2013, it provides open-source designs for machines and tools that enable individuals and communities to recycle plastic locally. The initiative empowers people to transform waste into new, functional products, fostering creativity and sustainability while addressing the pressing problem of plastic pollution.
How Did It Start?
The project was founded by Dave Hakkens, a Dutch designer, as part of his graduation project at the Design Academy Eindhoven. Motivated by the growing plastic waste crisis and the lack of accessible recycling solutions, Dave created a series of machines that could be easily built with common materials. He shared these designs for free, encouraging a decentralized approach to recycling and inspiring a movement that now spans the globe.
Global Impact and Local Action
Precious Plastic operates on the principle of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with individuals, groups, and organizations contributing to an evolving library of ideas and innovations. Communities worldwide have adopted the initiative, of creating recycling workspaces that turn discarded plastic into valuable items like furniture, tiles, and art. This model reduces waste and creates economic opportunities, particularly in underserved areas.
Empowering Change Through Education
Beyond its practical recycling solutions, Precious Plastic emphasizes education and awareness. Workshops, training sessions, and online resources equip people with the skills to manage plastic waste responsibly. By combining hands-on action with a global network of innovators, Precious Plastic inspires individuals to take ownership of the plastic problem and become part of the solution.
Plastic Unwrapped – Workshops that Entertain and Educate
“It changed the way I look at plastics”
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– A participant at a workshop
Welcome to Plastic Unwrapped We are a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming plastic waste into a resource through impactful, hands-on recycling events. Born from a love for our coastlines and a desire to protect our environment, Plastic Unwrapped partners with individuals, communities, and corporations to tackle plastic pollution head-on.
Our approach is simple but powerful: gather, educate, and transform. We arrange a variety of events some starting with a coastal clean-up or litter pick where volunteers and team members collect plastic waste from local beaches. From there, we use innovative recycling technology to turn what was once discarded into something meaningful, from everyday products to custom items that serve as a reminder of the impact we can all make.
But if the focus is more on ‘the making’ the full recycling day is maybe what you are after
We have machines that help create the base product for new items. These can be sheets of recycled PLA (3D printing waste) that can be laser cut. Or you could be using one of our molds to create your recycled plastic item. We most often know where our plastics have come from so that becomes part of your items story. Apart from learning how to make your own product, we will also provide information about plastic, recycling, its history and possible future. A great activity for a children’s party or staff event. It will change the way you look at plastic!
At Plastic Unwrapped, we believe that recycling is more than just a process—it’s an opportunity to create a lasting change. We are passionate about educating and empowering people to take action, showing how each of us can play a role in reducing plastic waste and protecting our oceans. By bringing together community members and corporate teams, we make it easy for everyone to get involved, learn, and leave with a tangible reminder of the difference they’ve made.
Join us in creating a wave of positive change. Whether you’re a corporation looking to engage your team in a meaningful CSR initiative or an individual wanting to make a difference, Plastic Unwrapped is here to help you turn the tide on plastic waste—one event at a time. Together, we can transform plastic and protect the beauty of our coastlines for generations to come.