Guiltlessplastic

SELECTED

Ro Plastic Prize wishes to unite the design community in the challenge to move beyond plastic pollution as we know it today and to promote the next generation of design. Plastic was invented in the late 1800’s, finding use in technical applications, such as warfare, in the 1930’s. In the 1950ies it became widespread in consumer products and packaging. Since it’s invention, over 8 billion metric tons have been globally produced and more than 50% has been discarded or incinerated. This number is constantly growing: over 322 million metric tons are produced each year, and 8 million metric tons end up in our oceans. This is threatening the health of the marine ecosystems and sea-life. All plastic that is not properly disposed of is toxic in nature, not only at sea but on land. We need to embrace the power of design and acknowledge the impact it can have. Today plastic trash is the biggest resource available. While researchers are constantly developing biodegradable polymers, what can be done to lessen the burden of oil-based plastics on the ecosystems? The invention of this class of materials was revolutionary and still today polymers are essential in many industries and goods.
Re-using, recycling and reinventing are the challenges that this prize wishes to bring to the global design community. When transformed, plastic can become a resource with vast possibilities and potentials.

ANNOUNCING THE INTERNATIONAL PRIZE

Rossana Orlandi Srl is launching the 1st edition of Ro Plastic Prize to challenge and inspire the design community to think differently about how our things are made. The best projects will be presented as finalists at Rossana Orlandi Gallery during the Fuorisalone of the 2019 Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.