By Rositta Liosi – EMTV Online
Scientists have estimated that a plastic bags life span is anywhere between five hundred to a thousand years.
Therefore, when it comes to pollution and plastic bags there is a real concern that needs to be addressed.
Mariam Hazem and Hend Riad are the founders of Reform Studio, an award winning design studio based in Cairo, Egypt. What these young designers specialise in is a creative design solution which transforms used and discarded plastic bags into a one hundred per cent eco-friendly handmade fabric.
The fabric which was created by the Reform Studio co-founders is known as Plestex, which was created by collecting, sterilizing and cutting plastic bags into thin strips that are interwoven on a manual handloom.
What is produced is a strong durable fabric that is both water-resistant and wit’stands sun, sand and dust. The fabric is not entirely made of plastic, in actuality it is made from 67 per cent reused plastic bags and 33 per cent recycled cotton threads.
The aim behind this innovate design solution was to create responsible and thoughtful products that would raise awareness about the possibilities behind reusing discarded plastic bags.
“We are interested in taking on sustainable and environmental issues, and solving them by researching, designing and prototyping. Our goal is to produce simple and innovative products with added value that reflect people’s needs and desires.” (Reform-studio, Facebook page)
This all girl design team are upcycling used plastic bags and creating beautiful works of art which range from bags, chairs, placemats and many more. The company exports its products to countries such as Kuwait, Rome, and London.
