A poker set made from discarded marine plastic, said to be the world’s first, shows how ocean waste can become a high-quality design product. Developed by Greek micro-recycling studio Recycledin, the set offers clear relevance for product designers, interior designers and hospitality brands looking for circular, story-driven accessories.

From Mediterranean Plastic To Design Object

Recycledin collects plastic waste from the Mediterranean Sea, local beaches and nearby landfills. In collaboration with initiatives such as Enaleia and local fishermen, the team also recovers ghost nets and other marine debris. Instead of exporting this waste, the studio processes it locally on the island of Kos.

As a result, each poker set contains around 2.5 kg of recycled plastic. By recycling and manufacturing in the same location, the company reduces transport and keeps materials in a regional loop. Moreover, the team reprocesses its own production offcuts and microplastics, which further strengthens the circular model.

Durable, Non-Toxic Recycled Polymers

The chips are produced from carefully selected non-toxic plastics: HDPE (type 2), LDPE (type 4) and PP (type 5). Designers widely use these thermoplastics in packaging and consumer goods because they offer durability, impact resistance and long service life.

Importantly, the recycled material does not hide its origin. Subtle colour variations and speckled patterns reveal the mixed plastic feedstock. Consequently, each set has a unique visual identity.

Designed For Hospitality And Branding

Recycledin presents the product as the world’s first poker chips made from recycled plastic. Each made-to-order set includes 300 chips in five colours, produced in the same diameter as standard casino chips. The set suits games of up to seven players and includes dedicated dealer, small blind and big blind chips. In addition, the playing cards are Bicycle Eco-Edition cards made from recycled paper.

Because of its material story, the poker set works well in boutique hotels, bars and corporate lounges. At the same time, it offers potential as a sustainable corporate gift or limited-edition branded product. The studio also provides custom and bulk production, which enables designers and brands to integrate recycled marine plastic into bespoke applications.

Circular Production And Responsible Distribution

The studio makes each set to order and requires up to ten days for production. This approach helps prevent overproduction and unnecessary stock. Furthermore, Recycledin offers worldwide carbon-compensated shipping, aligning logistics with its environmental mission.

Overall, the poker set demonstrates how recycled marine plastic can move beyond packaging and construction into lifestyle products. By combining local recycling, durable polymers and thoughtful design, it provides a tangible example of circular material innovation in practice.

Source & photos: Recycledin