As I became interested in sustainable materials, I became aware of a compelling point. Many everyday products of primary raw materials, such as HDPE, PET, glass, paper, and fiber, excluding plastic bags, are acquiring industrial value, increasing the production of unique sustainable products. Moreover, it is growing gradually every year in markets. On the other hand, the main ingredients for plastic vinyl bags, PE and PP, have a few recycling processes.

Typically, they are processed in two main ways after discarded vinyl is collected. The first involves a thermal decomposition process to produce fuel oil. The second method includes shredding collected vinyl, removing impurities, and creating fillets. Fillets are used to make new plastic by blending with other plastic additions. However, these methods are only feasible for certain vinyl packaging materials.

The recycling technology for plastic bags is less diverse than other raw materials such as HDPE, PET, glass, paper, and fiber.

With increasing awareness of zero-waste, many households are reusing plastic bags. However, despite these sustainable efforts, there is still significant disposal of non-reusable plastic bags. Therefore, we have started contemplating new recycling methods for non-reusable plastic bags to address this issue.

During the Korean kimchi-making season, you can easily find that large quantities of cabbage and radishes are stored in thin and large green plastic bags. These bags are used exclusively for vegetable storage, resulting in the disposal of a substantial amount of vinyl afterward. Their thin nature, in particular, makes them prone to tearing and difficult to reuse. From this experience, we initiated this project to create sustainable materials using innovative crafting techniques by repurposing discarded vinyl.

1. Plastic bags’ properties

From a craft perspective, vinylhas the advantage of elasticity but is too delicate to be utilized independently. We devised plastic-woven threads by twisting the vinyl to enhance its high tensile strength. Surprisingly, it maintains not only the inherent character of elasticity but also has high strength.

2. Plastic woven thread’s properties

While this thin vinyl has a critical issue of easy tearing, on the other hand, it becomes an advantage in being malleable through diverse crafting techniques.

Pros: Elasticity, Lightweight
Cons: Weak holding shape

3. Hemp thread’s properties

Hemp thread is harvested from plants and is completely degradable. Its surface is slightly rough due to the absence of synthetic additives. Still, it boasts high usability and durability, making it highly versatile to craft


Pros: Strength, Fixation
Cons: Scratchiness, Roughness

The complementary relationship resulted in unique properties: high flexibility and stability.

Interestingly, plastic-woventhreads and hemp-woven threads have contrasting properties. Inspired by these characteristics, we combined the two materials, applying a weaving technique. This new material establishes a complementary relationship. We created a unique textile with high flexibility and stability by offsetting each other's weaknesses.

Design context:

We carefully considered the type of product that could effectively showcase the meaningful context of this textile,which is composed of a blend of eco-friendly and recycled materials. Emphasizing its inherent feature of maintaining a natural curved form, we chose to create a user-friendly interior product: a room divider. Consumers who sought space without a sense of confinement usually preferred room dividers. We considered these consumer needs throughout the design development process.

A striking scene where, on a summer day, the clear blue sky and clouds appeared through the gap in lush leaves served as the inspiration for our design concept.

Seasonal color analysis: The tree offers year-round visual appeal.

Spring: bright yellowish green and pink hues of cherry blossom
Summer: dark green leafy shades in the forest
Autumn: leaves with red and reddish orange autumn tints
Winter: snow white hues piled on the tree