Resources
Everything you need to start recycling plastic, design products, and set up a working workshop, built from real experience using Sustainable Design Studio machines.
Handpicked by our team
The three resources we recommend starting with.
Reference
Material database
We test every plastic we come across and log the results. A living database, always growing.
Tool
Product cost calculator
Calculate the cost of making products from recycled plastic using our machines before you commit.
Guide
How to make V1 sunglasses
A complete step-by-step guide on how to make a pair of sunglasses from recycled plastic.
Plastic 101
Understand what plastics are, how to identify them, and which ones work best for recycling.
GuidePlastic types
Everything you need to know about the different types of plastics.
GuidePlastic identification
How to sort and identify different types of plastic before you start recycling.
ToolPlastic identification tool
A six-question quiz to help you identify PET, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PP, and PS.
GuideMelt flow index
Why a high melt flow index (MFI) matters when injection moulding with recycled plastics.
GuideOur top 5 plastic types
The five plastic types we recommend most for recycling projects and why they stand out.
ReferenceMaterial database
We test every plastic we come across and log the results. A living database, always growing.
Moulds & product design
From choosing a mould to printing your own insert, everything you need to start making products.
Guide3D printing vs injection moulding
A full breakdown of the pros and cons of injection moulding compared to 3D printing.
GuideMould use
Everything you need to know about using our moulds and troubleshooting common problems.
GuideHow to inject PLA
How to convert 3D printing waste into recycled plastic products using our Injection Mini.
ToolHow to use AI to design products
Learn the basics of using AI tools to design real world, functional products from scratch.
GuideHow to design a 3D printed insert
A step-by-step guide to designing a 3D printable mould insert using Fusion 360.
GuideHow to 3D print FDM moulds
How to 3D print a mould using FDM printing and everything you need to get started.
GuideHow to 3D print SLA moulds
How to 3D print an SLA mould, including what to buy and the full process from start to finish.
GuideGood product design
A comprehensive guide to what makes a great recycled plastic product.
Workshop setup
Everything you need to get your workspace up and running safely and cost effectively.
ReferenceBasic workshop tools
The basic tools you need for smooth day-to-day workshop operation, with links to find them.
ReferenceBasic PPE
All the recommended personal protective equipment for working with recycled plastics.
ToolProduct cost calculator
Calculate the cost of making products from recycled plastic using our machines before you commit.
ReferenceExample workspace setups & budgets
Real-world examples of workspace configurations and the budgets needed to get started.
Recycled filament
Turn plastic bottles into usable 3D printer filament. Guides covering bottle prep, extrusion, and print settings.
Project guides
End-to-end walkthroughs showing exactly how to make real products from recycled plastic.
GuideHow to make V1 sunglasses
A complete step-by-step guide on how to make a pair of sunglasses from recycled plastic.
GuideHow to make a recycled plastic wireless charger
A complete step-by-step guide to creating your own recycled plastic wireless phone charger.
GuideHow to make a recycled plastic watch
A complete step-by-step guide to creating your own watch from recycled plastic.
Concepts & ideas
Product concepts and real-world ideas showing what is possible when plastic waste meets good design.
Case studies
Real-world examples of studios and organisations around the world turning plastic waste into products.
Case StudyMull Club, UK
A look at Mull Club and what makes them so successful both in the UK and internationally.
Case StudySum Place, UK
A 250kg recycled plastic installation made from 2,500 injection moulded fish, in North Shields Transport Hub.
Case StudyEI Studio, Taiwan
How EI Studio takes a minimalist approach to product design and plastic recycling.
Case StudyPrecious Plastic Gambia
The Gambia's first recycling project to turn collected plastic waste into new products.
Case StudyMeridian High School, USA
How Sustainable Design Studio machines are inspiring the next generation of designers in the classroom.
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