Paper + Bioplastic

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Paper + Bioplastic

When (and if) we think about recycling paper, we rarely think about the fantastic amount of paper that ends up as waste due to its non-recyclability. How to extend the life of shredded paper that’s non-recyclable owing to its short cellulose fibres – and not have it simply converted into products with lower added value?

As a student at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Garibaldi set out to explore the potentials of a biocomposite made of non-recyclable paper, flour, water and glycerin. On the other side of the equation, the research also focuses on DIY approaches to new materials and applications.

Based on the principles of circular design and DIY practices, Paper + Bioplastic introduces users – through workshops and the Paper + Bioplastics book – to simple recipes that can be used to prepare new materials. The project takes advantage of the concept of learning through play, with the aim of making toys like building blocks and similar. This way, the project introduces new ways of teaching the concept of circularity, together with the importance of key materials and sustainability.

With this larger concept, Paper + Bioplastics resists established – and increasingly conflicted – systems of consumer living by putting the power of environmental change in the hands of the end user. And while it may not change the end product in terms of function – nor save us from ourselves – it does incorporate learning and knowledge transfer of DIY materials and principles into the user experience.

The Paper + Bioplastics project by Eve Garibaldi was created in 2018/19 under the mentorship of Asst. dr. Barbara Predan at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana, within the interdisciplinary program of the paper furniture business, as part of the INNORENEW CoE project in collaboration with RRA LUR, ICP and paper industry companies.

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