The open-source model reducing plastic by turning scraps into small-scale businesses

It’s estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans if no drastic measures are taken. Turning trash into treasure, Mattia Bernini gives plastic scraps a second life. The design and strategy director at Precious Plastic has created an open-source model so that anyone can begin a recycling business. Through his online hub, wannabe recyclers are equipped with the skills and resources to repurpose old plastic and craft valuable and beautiful products to sell. 

“We don’t claim to fix the plastic problem with Precious Plastic, we simply want to take care of all the plastic already out there,” Bernini says. He believes knowledge and expertise are priceless. Established in 2014, Precious Plastic has become a practical resource for small-scale recyclers globally to kickstart their own enterprise. “What I love about the Precious Plastic community is that it is made up of people like you and me,” Bernini says. The initiative offers people free step-by-step guides to setting up collection spots, constructing workspaces, building or purchasing shredding and extrusion machines, and creating recycled products such as terrazzo sheeting, plug points, and designer chairs to earn a living. 

Bernini and his team have ensured Precious Plastic flourishes on a global scale. They have over 80 000 members in 102 different countries. Between 2019 and 2020 there was a 73% rise in Precious Plastic workspaces, and people are recycling around 300 tonnes of plastic a year. “Instead of complaining and waiting for someone to fix it, they take it on their shoulders and start tackling this big global problem,” Bernini says. He continues to change people’s perspectives about plastic while making recycling accessible to everyone

Footage by Precious Plastic was used in the creation of this film.