etraPak promotes environmentally friendly packaging that is almost completely recyclable. However, according to Deutsche Umwelthilfe, the actual recycling rate is only around 30%. This discrepancy motivated me to develop a more effective way of reusing these materials. Instead of separating beverage cartons into their individual components of plastic, aluminium and paper, they can be upcycled into these two new materials:
- 1. TetraGami: A foldable material that works like thick cardboard, has the properties of plastic and looks like aluminium. I used it to make a hanging lamp or an origami sling bag.
- 2. TetraTex: A leather-like material that can be sewn and glued. It is water resistant and has an irregular silver texture. It can be used to make bags, wallets or even ashtray pouches.
I recently had the opportunity to present this upcycling method at the see-Conference and give a workshop on it.
To spread the idea and encourage others to make their own products from these new materials, I have illustrated detailed instructions.
The importance of upcycling lies not only in giving waste a second life, but also in creating products that serve a real purpose and can replace items made from primary materials. Here is my attempt:
Using TetraGami, I folded a hanging lamp that takes advantage of the multiple layers of a TetraPak. These layers make the lamp water resistant, easy to clean and heat resilient. The silver inside and outside reflect light effectively due to the aluminium lining.
I also designed a sling bag with the aim of creating something that not only recycles TetraPak waste, but is also attractive enough to be worn as a fashion accessory. Again, the waterproof properties of the material come in handy.
