WasticFiber is a first-of-its-kind composite material, combining waste soft plastic bags with textile fibres to create flexible composite sheets, achieving properties of increased strength and lightness. The recycled polymer acts as a binder, while the fabric provides structural integrity as well as offering an appealing aesthetic with the use of colourful patterned fabrics. The fabric component can be made up of organic fabrics, textile waste, glass fibre, or a mixture of these materials depending on needs.

WasticFiber is a versatile material that can be compression moulded into desired forms using low-cost tools or utilized as a flat sheet. The colours can be curated and presented based on the fabric being used, and the surface texture can be controlled through the texture applied on the surface of the production tool. This material presents an opportunity to combine circular material innovation with contemporary storytelling, highlighting the provenance and stories woven into the fabrics being used.

A recent application of WasticFiber was crafted-liberation, a series of durable stadium seats fashioned from textile waste (unwanted headscarves) collected from Iranian women around the globe to tell a unique story of their struggle against political and societal constraints.

This project entailed collaboration with the Australian-based R&D company, Talon Technology and their initiative, ‘The Local Plastics Microfactory Project’ aiming to make plastic recycling accessible in small communities. Harnessing their years of expertise in developing innovative materials, processes and products often involving advanced composite technologies, ‘WasticFibre’ is created, exploring how its circulation can positively impact society and the environment. The lightweight composite sheet was moulded into bucket seat forms, reminiscent of traditional fibreglass techniques historically used in outdoor seating products while providing the same qualities of increased strength and lightness required in a shell seat.

Applications
WasticFibre can be used in various architectural and consumer products, as well as interior surfaces across diverse environments. It offers an opportunity for adaptive re-use of waste and to showcase the provenance and value of waste as a resource.

The material is ideal for applications requiring three-dimensional forms, enhanced strength, and lightweight properties. We collaborate closely with our clients to process the material tailored to their specific requirements, resulting in solutions that are both distinctive and imbued with a compelling narrative inherent in its fabric.