Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Strings ‘n’ Things is a new and innovative recycling process. PET bottles are cut into long continuous strings which can then be wound or woven into lampshades, vases, ropes or mats.
Strings ‘n’ Things enables low-volume recycling to be economically feasible and provides a low-energy method of transforming waste bottles into new products. With further development, the project could contribute to a reduction in the proportion of PET bottles sent to landfill.
At the heart of the project is a simple and effective machine that cuts waste bottles into strings. The strings are then wound around a mould in a unique pattern and heated in an oven. The heating causes fusion of the crossing strings, resulting in beautiful hollow forms when the assembly is cooled and the mould is removed. This process takes advantage of the properties of the string to produce aesthetically pleasing products.
The Strings ‘n’ Things process would source waste bottles from existing materials recovery facilities. The bottles would then be reformed and the resulting products sold to retailers in the home accessories market who would, in turn, sell them to ethically-minded consumers. The scheme works for business and local government as it reduces the costs associated with sending and storing waste at landfill sites. It is also appealing to retailers and end-users as the products are both aesthetic and environmentally friendly. The low cost of production makes it an economically viable project.
String ‘n’ Things has the potential for future development beyond the time span of this project. The PET string can be alternatively processed to weave ropes and mats. The business would establish itself using its core process and moulding. Then profits will be reinvested to expand the range of Strings ‘n’ Things products. The project demonstrates that the solution to a growing problem of waste can provide the platform for a sustainable business.
Team
Benjamin Evans
Susannah Evans
Michael Lin
Naythran Thayakaran
Strings ‘n’ Things is a new and innovative recycling process. PET bottles are cut into long continuous strings which can then be wound or woven into lampshades, vases, ropes or mats.
Strings ‘n’ Things enables low-volume recycling to be economically feasible and provides a low-energy method of transforming waste bottles into new products. With further development, the project could contribute to a reduction in the proportion of PET bottles sent to landfill.
At the heart of the project is a simple and effective machine that cuts waste bottles into strings. The strings are then wound around a mould in a unique pattern and heated in an oven. The heating causes fusion of the crossing strings, resulting in beautiful hollow forms when the assembly is cooled and the mould is removed. This process takes advantage of the properties of the string to produce aesthetically pleasing products.
The Strings ‘n’ Things process would source waste bottles from existing materials recovery facilities. The bottles would then be reformed and the resulting products sold to retailers in the home accessories market who would, in turn, sell them to ethically-minded consumers. The scheme works for business and local government as it reduces the costs associated with sending and storing waste at landfill sites. It is also appealing to retailers and end-users as the products are both aesthetic and environmentally friendly. The low cost of production makes it an economically viable project.
String ‘n’ Things has the potential for future development beyond the time span of this project. The PET string can be alternatively processed to weave ropes and mats. The business would establish itself using its core process and moulding. Then profits will be reinvested to expand the range of Strings ‘n’ Things products. The project demonstrates that the solution to a growing problem of waste can provide the platform for a sustainable business.
Team
Benjamin Evans
Susannah Evans
Michael Lin
Naythran Thayakaran
