In his research project, The Value of Waste Material, Terry Li explores the upcycling of the excessive amounts of high-density polyethylene produced by New Zealand’s coffee culture.
Coffee is one of the most common daily drinks in AUT, and it has become inseparable from milk as a prevalent combination. It has become common sense that people often go to cafes for leisure and work. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is most commonly used for milk packaging in New Zealand. Therefore, the amount of milk bottles that continues to be produced daily, weekly and yearly slowly becomes a significant issue.
The primary aim of this research project is to investigate design opportunities to upcycle HDPE plastic from discarded milk bottles. This research applies a product design approach to close the recycling loop and increase the plastic material’s lifespan.
Li explores the characteristics of HDPE plastics through research and experimentation to find new applications for discarded HDPE and positively impact the product industry. Discarded HDPE plastic bottles were shredded and reformed using heat and moulding production methods.
For the design project, it was also essential to create an appealing aesthetic with HDPE plastic. Both the pleasing aesthetic and easy remodelling characteristics of HDPE were advantageous and helped to turn the discarded HDPE into a low-cost but high-quality product.
Congratulations to Digital Design Major graduate Varvara Solovyeva whose animated film ‘USO’ has been selected in competition for the International Programme at the Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF 2023).
‘USO’ was Varvara’s graduating film for her Bachelor of Design in 2022. Varvara is currently undertaking her Master of Design studies at the School of Art and Design.
The ninthWavesound project, produced for Laura Marsh’s doctoral thesis, fuses feminist activism and a DJ practice to generate an installation and participatory art practice aimed at corporeal, low-frequency, sound-oriented experiences.