Precious Waste

The constant influx of ‘stuff’ into the world worries Michelle Baggerman. She conscientiously chose to conduct design research, which builds on reframing existing traditional or waste materials in the context of contemporary technology, methods and materials. Her prototypes demonstrate the potential of sustainable methods, materials and modes of production.

Precious Waste is a textile Baggerman invented that is made from thin strips of plastic spun into delicate threads on a spinning wheel. The threads are hand-woven into a large piece of strong, durable and handsome fabric, which can be used to make new bags or any number of useful items. Precious Waste is a way of processing plastic bags to extend the lifespan of the material and minimise the environmental downsides of single-use products and their inefficient recycling process. No other materials go into making the fabric so that, once it has reached the end of its life, it can still be recycled.