Menu
For some decades now our society’s mounds of waste are of the worst indicators of us humans’ wasteful and entitled habits. Hence we are happy to share a story of an initiative which turns rubbish into something useful and beautiful.
Plasticity is a company that designs handmade products from plastic waste and hemp for a more beautiful world. In line with SA’s commitment to sustainability and green design a mother-and-daughter team is transforming waste into useful, attractive products designed to last.
Tessa O’Halloran and her mom, Helen, are the owners of Plasticity, a small business that is part of the upcycling movement in South Africa.
“I was doing research online and found the method that we use to transform plastic waste into the products we are creating. Our first few prototypes were hand-stitched by me in 2017 and ever since then, the idea has organically taken shape into the business I have today.”
Building a dream
Tessa says she wanted her own business to have the freedom to pursue her passion and offer designs that she has conceptualised to the world.
“Creating a business is all about building a dream, and it’s definitely a team effort. My business was brought to life with the help of my mother, who sews products with the upcycled plastic material we create.”
They create products that they want to use, and design for the style-conscious, conscious consumer. The products are inspired by everyday life.
“We make products that are functional, versatile, beautiful, and also just-so-happen to be made of waste materials. The upcycled aspect of our products is simply the added benefit. We design to make everyday life more beautiful.”
Plastic is mostly sourced from within Graaff-Reinet and hemp from Hemporium in Cape Town. They process the plastic themselves. Creating products with recycled materials is an art, and it’s a labour-intensive process. Choosing to create products with recycled products has challenges, such as supply chain issues and struggles with consistency and continuity of waste materials.
Supporting locals
Tessa says they exist to make an impact and to be the difference. “Our branding labels are created for us by a local NPO, Boundless, a protective workplace for disabled individuals. We also hope to grow to be able to offer full-time employment to members of the local community.”
They love local and making an impact on the local economy by supporting local suppliers and contributing to the South African circular economy, one upcycled product at a time.
“Everyone in the recycling industry serves something unique. We want to help grow the knowledge of and appreciation for upcycled/ recycled products to contribute to a movement that everyone in this industry can be a part of. We are inspired by other brands and love to collaborate.”
Based in a small town of Graaff-Reinet, they face getting-to-market challenges head-on with their online store where people can order.
“My mom and I love working together and focus on our individual strengths. We’re always dreaming up new products and are looking forward to launching a design-it-yourself offering. So, watch this space!”
This article was first published in Green Times
Share this article:
Tessa O’Halloran is a participant on Fetola’s Circular Economy Accelerator (CEA), a sustainability growth solution which empowers South African entrepreneurs to build successful, environmentally-sound businesses, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, the Embassy of Finland in Pretoria and Nedbank.
