Working with plastic

Tash set up her business, Plasticus Tasmania, with the help of open source designs from Precious Plastics, a global recycling movement based in the Netherlands. Her first large source of plastic waste was from Dark Mofo. Then people collecting ‘lids for kids’ started messaging her on Facebook.

After a bit of experimentation, Tash realised that if she wanted to offer a standardised product, she needed to commit to a few big purchases, like a proper aluminium mould and a custom shredder.

She designed the mould herself and had it laser cut by engineers. She sourced parts for the shredder and found a second-hand kitchen oven. After months of work, with the help of her uncle, her dad, and an electrician friend, the shredder was built.

Tash sorts and washes the plastic by hand, and shreds it before she puts it in the sandwich press, which gives a nice even mix of colours. The molten plastic is then put into a mould to form and set.

At the 2024 Sustainable Living Festival in Launceston, Tash showcased her plant pots, vessels, and clocks to the public for the first time, and was a finalist in the Tasmanian Sustainable Business and Community Awards.

‘I’m learning as I go,’ she said. ‘My work isn’t yet food grade but I’m aiming towards it.’

Tash only accepts type 2, 4 and 5 plastics, as indicated by a recycling symbol somewhere on the item. ‘If they’re not marked, I can’t use them,’ she said. ‘All plastics release chemicals when heated to a particular temperature, and these temperatures differ. I can’t risk breathing in the toxins.’

She currently has two drop-off points for plastic: Glenorchy Recycling opposite the tip shop, and ‘Just for Lids’ at the Warrane/Mornington Neighbourhood Centre. She is currently working on getting two more up and running.

Tash Lowe has been chosen by Clarence Climate Action as this month’s Climate Champion. She can be contacted through her Facebook page, Plasticus Tasmania.

Eastern Shore Sun, June 2024, page 6