A design investigation into the use of recycled thermoplastics for furniture applications in the Australian market

The use of recycled thermoplastic materials in furniture products is the result of the application of a methodology that is grounded in design and making within an ecodesign framework. This framework includes techniques and methods for ease of assembly and disassembly, material efficiency and reuse, economy of production and lifecycle extension within the practice of furniture design.<br><br>Through the development of innovative furniture products that incorporate recycled thermoplastics derived from mixed material and product sources, this project challenges the proposition that thermoplastics may only be successfully recycled into products of significant value when separated into single polymer types. <br><br>Grounded in research through design this practice combines the use of waste from plastic recycling in Victoria as a source material to explore and create a range of furniture that challenges the value proposition above. This research proposes that the process of furniture design incorporating recycled thermoplastics produces new forms, techniques and implications for design practice.