Learn, Immerse, Imagine

Before you get your head down into the details of setting up your Precious Plastic Workspace, there is lots to learn. Immerse yourself in the Precious Plastic Universe. Uncover what's out there, and in the process, start imagining what your own Precious Plastic Workspace could look like.

Learn about Precious Plastic

As a start, it’s super important to really know and understand Precious Plastic. What drives the project, how it works, its philosophy and solutions. If you haven’t already, dig around their website and community platform to have a deep understanding of the project. Also, make sure to check the Universe chapter to fully understand how the Precious Plastic Universe works:

👉 preciousplastic.com

👉 community.preciousplastic.com

👉 community.preciousplastic.com/academy/universe/universe

The basics of plastic

Before you start it is crucial to get a solid understanding of plastic. How it works, the different types, melting temperatures and so on. Head over to our Academy and dive into the plastic chapters to learn about the different types and properties etc. There is also more about the machines, products and techniques, and more. Make sure to absorb as much knowledge from there as possible.

👉 community.preciousplastic.com/academy/plastic/basics

A special reminder: the local team you'll be connected to, will also go through all the necessary information with you, to ensure you're equipped. So don't worry if you're feeling confused or have questions. Your local team is there to solve all of that!

One of the best ways to spark ideas and gain inspiration for your own recycling workshop is by exploring real-life examples. Seeing how others have transformed plastic waste into meaningful projects can help you envision what’s possible in your community.

Sustainable Design Studio is an established company helping projects all over the world and our website, we’ve featured three detailed case studies that showcase the creativity and impact of small-scale recycling workshops. These examples highlight how our machines, molds, and methods can be used to create innovative products while driving local change.

The case studies are:

👉 Mull Club

👉 Behaviour Change Cornwall

👉 Sumplace


A special reminder: the local team you'll be connected to, will also go through all the necessary information with you, to ensure you're equipped. So don't worry if you're feeling confused or have questions. Your local team is there to solve all of that!

Sourcing plastic waste is a vital step in setting up your recycling workshop. A reliable supply of the right materials will help you create consistent, high-quality products. Luckily, there are plenty of creative and impactful ways to collect plastics, and our resources are here to guide you through the process.

Where to Find Plastic Waste

1. Beach Cleans
   Participate in local beach cleanups to gather discarded fishing nets, plastic bottles, and other ocean debris. This not only provides materials but also contributes to cleaner shorelines and raises environmental awareness.

2. Community Collections
   Set up collection points where people can drop off clean, recyclable plastics. Collaborate with schools, local businesses, or community groups to amplify your efforts.

3. Household and Workshop Waste Streams
   Recycle your own waste or reach out to makerspaces and workshops for offcuts. 3D printing communities, in particular, often generate leftover materials like PETG or TPU that are perfect for recycling.

Best Plastics for Small-Scale Recycling

Some plastics are easier to work with and yield better results in small-scale setups. We recommend:

• Bottle Caps (HDPE): Colorful, versatile, and easy to melt—perfect for beginners.
• Fishing Nets (PP): Lightweight and durable, ideal for creating strong products.
• DVD Cases (PP): Readily available and a good source for prototyping.
• 3D Printing Waste (PETG/TPU): Leftover filament, supports, or failed prints from 3D printing projects can be transformed into exciting new products. PETG is strong and heat-resistant, while TPU is flexible, opening up creative possibilities.

Learn More About Plastics

Understanding the types of plastic and their properties will help you make the most of your materials. Our guides provide detailed insights into which plastics are suitable for recycling and how to process them effectively:

👉 Plastic Types Overview: sustainabledesign.studio/plastic-types
👉 Top 5 Plastics Guide: sustainabledesign.studio/plastics-top5

Tips for Successful Sourcing

• Clean and Sort: Always ensure your materials are clean and sorted by type to ensure smooth processing and higher-quality results.
• Test and Document: Experiment with different plastics to understand their behaviors and suitability for your products.
• Think Local: Collaborate with nearby makers, businesses, or cleanup efforts for a sustainable and convenient material supply.

With a little effort, you'll have everything you need to start recycling plastic waste into unique, sustainable products. The possibilities are endless—start sourcing today!

Designing great products is at the heart of a successful recycling workshop. Thoughtful product design not only ensures that your recycled items are functional and appealing but also maximizes the value of the materials you’re working with. With a few simple principles and some inspiration, you can create products that are both sustainable and impactful.

Start with a Purpose

Every great product begins with a clear purpose. Think about what your community needs or what could make an impact—practical tools, educational items, or decorative pieces. For example, coasters, keychains, or even modular building blocks can be created easily with small-scale recycling machines.

Good Design Principles

Our guide to good product design outlines some key principles that will help you make the most of your materials:

• Simplicity: Keep designs straightforward and functional, especially if you’re just starting out. Simple designs are easier to replicate and require less troubleshooting.
• Material Efficiency: Design products that minimize waste and use materials effectively. For instance, small items like pens or tiles are perfect for utilizing offcuts or smaller quantities of plastic.
• Durability: Aim to create long-lasting products. Focus on strong plastics like PP, HDPE, or PETG, which are resilient and versatile.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Great design combines function with beauty. Experiment with colors and patterns by mixing different plastics, like vibrant bottle caps or translucent fishing nets.

👉 Learn more about product design principles here: sustainabledesign.studio/products-goodproductdesign

Selling Your Product & Raising Awareness 

Once you’ve designed and created amazing products, the next step is getting them into the hands of customers. Whether you’re selling locally, online, or as part of a social enterprise, understanding how to price and market your products effectively will help ensure your workshop’s success.

Setting the Right Price

Pricing your products correctly is essential. You’ll want to cover your costs while ensuring your products are affordable and competitive. Use our Product Calculator to simplify the process. This tool helps you factor in the costs of materials, machine time, labor, and even packaging, so you can determine a fair and profitable price.

👉 Product Calculator: sustainabledesign.studio/workshopsetup-productcalculator

When calculating your price, consider:

• Material Costs: Include the cost of collecting, cleaning, and processing plastic waste.
• Labor Costs: Account for the time spent shredding, molding, and assembling your products.
• Overheads: Factor in equipment maintenance, electricity, and any other operational expenses.
• Profit Margin: Don’t forget to add a margin to reinvest in your workshop or fund community projects.

Finding Your Market

Think about who would benefit most from your products. Your market could include:

• Local Community Members: Sell products at markets, events, or through partnerships with local businesses.
• Online Customers: Set up an online shop or use platforms like Etsy to reach a global audience.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may be interested in educational tools or items showcasing recycling processes.
• Eco-Conscious Brands: Collaborate with companies seeking sustainable products for events or giveaways.

Telling Your Story

People love to know the story behind the products they buy. Highlight the journey from waste to product, emphasizing sustainability and the impact of your workshop. Share your process through:

• Product Tags: Include information about the materials used and their origin.
• Social Media: Use photos, videos, and stories to showcase your work.
• Local Engagement: Host workshops, demos, or talks to raise awareness and build your brand locally.

Maximizing Your Impact

Consider how sales can support broader goals. For example:

• Use profits to fund more recycling efforts or educational initiatives.
• Partner with local organizations to expand your impact.
• Offer customized products for events, schools, or corporate clients.

Selling your products is not just about making money; it’s about showcasing the potential of recycled materials and inspiring others to take action. With the right approach, your workshop can become a thriving hub for sustainability and creativity!