Plastic workshop showcased the benefits of recycling

The ‘Get a grip on plastic’ workshop was held in two rented shipping containers in the yard of Keran Hallit between 4 May and 7 July. The workshop was open to all, regardless of their previous crafting skills. Two three-hour workshops were held per day. Each workshop was limited to 10 participants. Participation was free of charge.

Through the workshop, participants got to see what plastic recycling is all about. Sorting plastic may seem boring if you do not really understand the value of sorted materials. At the plastic workshop, participants were able to see and experience how plastic rubbish can be turned into a new object.

“The aim of the workshop was to show participants that their actions have an impact and their daily choices matter. Everyone can do their part to solve the world’s pollution problems,” says Outi Jounila from Espoo’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.

The workshop was organised as part of the ‘Closed Plastic Circle – from Pilots into Practice’ project in cooperation with Muoviamo(external link, opens in a new window). The aim of the project is to support the market for recycled plastic. Residents play an important role as sorters of plastic and buyers of recycled plastic products. Muoviamo explores the artistic potential of recycled plastic and develops cooperation networks and a platform for the grass-roots use of recycled plastic.

Plastic was processed in many different ways at the workshop. Shredded plastic was cast into different kinds of moulds or fed into an extrusion machine, the output of which could be freely moulded. In addition to using existing moulds and ideas, participants were encouraged to let their imagination fly and invent new product concepts. The idea was to foster a curious, experimental and open-minded way of thinking.

“I have a feeling that, especially for younger visitors, the workshop left a lasting impression that will affect their actions in the future. When you get to explore the world’s problems through playful activities, you will have a more constructive attitude towards them in the future,” says Aapo Kivistö-Rahnasto, who completed his traineeship in industrial design as a workshop instructor.

Three quarters of respondents to the feedback survey felt that their attitudes towards plastic had become more positive due to the workshop. The remaining one quarter did not observe a change in their attitudes. The survey responses showed that, thanks to the workshop, many had realised that plastic rubbish can be turned into all sorts of useful and even beautiful things. Respondents also praised the workshop instructors Mona Taponen and Aapo Kivistö-Rahnasto.

During the two months, 213 people from different backgrounds attended the workshop.

So far, Finland has very few opportunities for grassroots-level community-based plastic recycling. The concept for the ‘Get a grip on plastic’ workshop was tested for the first time this summer, and we got a lot of ideas about how to make the workshop even better. 

The processing of recycled plastic clearly attracted interest, which inspired Muoviamo to continue the development of the concept. The next steps include developing premises and machinery solutions for the plastic workshop and improving occupational safety, energy efficiency and microplastics management. To support this development, Muoviamo is now looking for funding and cooperation partners. In addition, the concept will be developed to better meet the needs of different educational institutions. 

The next step is to open new premises for the plastic workshop near the Museum of Technology. Muoviamo has already started cooperation with the museum and is involved in the Remake café workshops, in which you can repair and mend everyday items. 

The ‘Closed Plastic Circle – from Pilots into Practice’ project will continue to promote the recycling of plastic. Follow the progress on the project page.