Bio-based Plastics
Excessive pollution, diminishing natural resources and climate change have alerted the global community to the problems with plastic – and bio-based plastics are rapidly emerging as a more sustainable alternative. However, they’re not always as green as they seem; in fact, these plastics may not be biodegradable, compostable or recyclable.
Researchers from the UTS Material Ecologies Design Lab (MEDL) discuss the future of plastics and designing for a post-petrochemical world. They will also demonstrate the process for making bio-based plastics and share a recipe card so you can make your own bioplastic at home.
Speakers
Nahum McLean is a designer, maker and PhD candidate with the UTS Material Ecologies Design Lab. He has worked for some of Australia’s leading fashion houses as a drape-based designer and patternmaker. His research responds to climate breakdown by developing novel bio-based and biodegradable materials for applications across fashion, design and architecture.
Ella Williams is a product designer and PhD candidate with the UTS Material Ecologies Lab, working at the intersection of sustainable materials and digital technologies. Her research aims to find ways of using bio-based and waste materials through 3D printing and computational design methods. Her current research looks at 3D printing of building components with a recycled glass powder.
Details
Venue
On Gadigal land
Sydney Design Week Material Labs
4–7 Eddy Ave Central Station
Haymarket NSW 2007
Supported by
Workshop seating supplied by Cult
