NorthernLight challenges design students to make a change

Plastic waste has become a massive social issue, with oceans expected to contain more plastic than fish in 2050. How can design help to solve this global challenge? That is what NorthernLight asked a group of 16 students of the Industrial Design faculty of the Technical University in Delft. The students were challenged to develop a transformative experience for preventing, collecting or reusing plastic waste, preferably solutions with a business model, or that generate revenues.

The development went in an intensive 10 week co-creation process, with kick off and scrum meetings between NorthernLight and the students along the way. The results were inspiring. Looking at the feasibility, impact and creativity of all concepts, three ideas really stood out, Wasteland by Layla de Blok, the Reversed Vending machine by Mirte Tijsma and Plastic Collectik bij Noor Mastenbroek. Wasteland is a playground with recycled plastic bricks – children actually make the bricks themselves! –  inspiring children to learn about the value of recycling. An innovative idea where play and education go hand in hand. The Reversed Vending Machine is an interactive installation collecting empty plastic bottles by rewarding consumers with money cashbacks or digital coupons. It creates awareness about the amount of plastic bottles we use every day. A simple and effective idea. With Plastic Collectik children and their parents are encouraged to create a collective artwork out of plastic.