Over 40 of the world’s “pre-eminent” designers, scientists and business leaders have united in their support of the “world’s first” materials and systems solutions platform PlasticFree, A Plastic Planet says.
Hosted on PlasticFree.com, the platform’s Advisory Council includes designers including Thomas Heatherwick, Sir David Chipperfield, Tom Dixon, Shaway Yeh and Skylar Tibbits of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Launching today (11 January), A Plastic Planet says the platform is set to combat the scourge of plastic and single-use systems.
Powered by global solutions group A Plastic Planet, it aims to help designers and business leaders eradicate “one trillion pieces” of plastic waste from the global economy by 2025.
The online design tool has been created to “empower” the 160 million global creatives to rethink packaging, textiles and products, A Plastic Planet says.
There is significant power held by the 160 million global creatives to help us rethink how we take, make and waste.
Commenting on the announcement, co-founder of A Plastic Planet, Sian Sutherland, said: “We have one simple goal—make the designer the smartest, most confident person in the room to push back against that inevitable brief that says just use a bioplastic or a recycled polymer, so we get a green tick.
“Above all, our focus is on system change not just better materials.”
A Plastic Planet says that the platform provides in-depth reports on over 100 plastic-free alternatives and insights into system changes such as solid formulations and permanent reusable packaging.
The website also features 125 case studies from 5 continents, giving examples where alternative materials have been used to better-existing products and systems and editorials from what A Plastic Planet describes as the “heroes” of the design world.
Users can subscribe to the platform by paying £250 annually.
The platform’s founding council also includes Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit, WeTransfer co-founder Damian Bradfield and Natural Fiber Welding Founder Dr Luke Haverhals.
They are joined by scientists such as Professor Hugh Montgomery OBE of University College London and green chemistry pioneer Professor Terry Collins of Carnegie Mellon University.
Our default dependence on incredible but toxic and indestructible plastic has to end.
Sian Sutherland, continued: “Everything begins with a creative process. There is significant power held by the 160 million global creatives to help us rethink how we take, make and waste, to reimagine different systems and material uses in a very different way from today.
“Our default dependence on incredible but toxic and indestructible plastic has to end. Designers want to be part of the solution but there is a minefield of misinformation out there.
“If we can ignite and empower creatives by giving them trusted, relevant data and inspiring case studies, we believe we can change everything much faster.”
