Room Divider
Team
Dajeong Jang
Material
Recycled plastic bags, Hemp thread
Spec
156*78*80(mm)
As I became interested in sustainable materials, I recognized a compelling trend: many everyday products made from primary raw materials—such as HDPE, PET, glass, paper, and fibers, excluding plastic bags—are gaining industrial value, leading to an increase in the production of unique sustainable products. This trend is gradually growing each year in the market. Conversely, the primary components of plastic bags, namely PE and PP, present limited recycling processes.
Typically, discarded vinyl is processed in two main ways after collection. The first method involves thermal decomposition to produce fuel oil. The second method includes shredding the collected vinyl, removing impurities, and creating pellets. These pellets can then be blended with other plastics to manufacture new plastic products. However, these methods are only applicable to specific types of vinyl packaging materials.
Typically, discarded vinyl is processed in two main ways after collection. The first method involves thermal decomposition to produce fuel oil. The second method includes shredding the collected vinyl, removing impurities, and creating pellets. These pellets can then be blended with other plastics to manufacture new plastic products. However, these methods are only applicable to specific types of vinyl packaging materials.
With the growing awareness of zero-waste practices, many households are beginning to reuse plastic bags. However, despite these sustainable efforts, there remains a significant disposal of non-reusable plastic bags. As a response to this issue, we have started exploring new recycling methods for non-reusable plastic bags.
During the Korean kimchi-making season, large quantities of cabbage and radishes are typically stored in thin, large green plastic bags. These bags are specifically used for vegetable storage, leading to the disposal of a substantial amount of vinyl afterward. Their thin nature makes them prone to tearing and difficult to reuse. Based on this experience, we initiated a project aimed at creating sustainable materials through innovative crafting techniques by repurposing discarded vinyl.
During the Korean kimchi-making season, large quantities of cabbage and radishes are typically stored in thin, large green plastic bags. These bags are specifically used for vegetable storage, leading to the disposal of a substantial amount of vinyl afterward. Their thin nature makes them prone to tearing and difficult to reuse. Based on this experience, we initiated a project aimed at creating sustainable materials through innovative crafting techniques by repurposing discarded vinyl.
1. Plastic bags’ properties
From a crafting perspective, vinyl possesses the advantage of elasticity; however, it is too delicate to be utilized independently. To address this, we developed plastic-woven threads by twisting the vinyl, which enhances its tensile strength. Surprisingly, this method preserves the inherent elasticity of the material while significantly increasing its strength.
From a crafting perspective, vinyl possesses the advantage of elasticity; however, it is too delicate to be utilized independently. To address this, we developed plastic-woven threads by twisting the vinyl, which enhances its tensile strength. Surprisingly, this method preserves the inherent elasticity of the material while significantly increasing its strength.
2. Plastic woven thread’s properties
While this thin vinyl is prone to easy tearing, this characteristic also provides the advantage of being malleable, allowing for a variety of crafting techniques.
Pros: Elasticity, Lightweight
Cons: Weak holding shape![]()
While this thin vinyl is prone to easy tearing, this characteristic also provides the advantage of being malleable, allowing for a variety of crafting techniques.
Pros: Elasticity, Lightweight
Cons: Weak holding shape
3. Hemp thread’s properties
Hemp thread is harvested from plants and is completely biodegradable. Its surface is slightly rough due to the absence of synthetic additives. However, it offers high usability and durability, making it highly versatile for crafting.
Pros: Strength, Fixation
Cons: Scratchiness, Roughness![]()
Hemp thread is harvested from plants and is completely biodegradable. Its surface is slightly rough due to the absence of synthetic additives. However, it offers high usability and durability, making it highly versatile for crafting.
Pros: Strength, Fixation
Cons: Scratchiness, Roughness
The complementary relationship between the two materials resulted in unique properties: high flexibility and stability. Interestingly, plastic-woven threads and hemp-woven threads exhibit contrasting characteristics. Inspired by these properties, we combined the two materials using a weaving technique. This new material establishes a harmonious relationship, creating a unique textile that offsets each other’s weaknesses, resulting in enhanced flexibility and stability.
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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 characteristic of maintaining a natural curved form, we decided to create a user-friendly interior product: a room divider. Room dividers are often preferred by consumers looking to define space without creating a sense of confinement. We kept these consumer needs in mind throughout the design development process.
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 characteristic of maintaining a natural curved form, we decided to create a user-friendly interior product: a room divider. Room dividers are often preferred by consumers looking to define space without creating a sense of confinement. We kept these consumer needs in mind throughout the design development process.
CMF Variation: The trees showcase 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
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
