Since tetrapak is difficult to be separated into its constituents materials it is not picked up for recycling and eventually ends up in landfills. The goal of this project was to Up cycling the used tetrapaks into Bags and Pouches. The bags are made of closed loop windmill weave without any use of adhesives making them recyclable. The shelflife of the tetrapaks is increased by two years and can be easily put back into circular economy again. Fashion you can feel good about wearing / carrying.

Project description
Tetrapak is made of 75% paper, 20% polyethylene and 5% aluminum. Since tetrapak is difficult to be separated into its constituents materials it is not picked up for recycling and eventually ends up in landfills for a very long time. So the main goal of this project was to put these used tetrapaks back into the circular economy by Up cycling them into lifestyle products – Bags and Pouches. Tetrapaks of different sizes were collected and after proper washing, cleaning and drying they were cut into thin strips which were woven into closed loop windmill weave to create bags and pouches. For the products to look good-looking the strips were turned inside out.
The life of the product increases at least 2 years more. Since there is no use of adhesives the tetrapak can be reused again.

A possible range of bags and pouches made by up cycling Tetrpak of different sizes using different weaves and patterns. A total of 97 tetra packs were used to make three products – Laptop Sleeve ( 62) , Wallet ( 19) , Pouch ( 16)

Tetrapak was first washed and then flattened into a sheet once dried. 10mm strips were cut, turned inside out and later woven into multiple units of 4 x 4 closed loop windmill weave to make a mat. This mat was used a raw material to make different bags and pouches.

Laptop Sleeve For 15 inch Mac book pro. Total of 49 (150 ml) and 13 ( 180 ml) used tetrapaks were upcycled to make this sleeve.

Regular sized Wallet Total of 15 (150 ml) and 4 ( 180 ml) used tetrapaks were upcycled to make this Wallet.

Pouch Total of 12 (150 ml) and 4 ( 180 ml) used tetrapaks were up cycled to make this Pouch.

This project is a small attempt to understand the significance of Upcycling & Circular economy.  After analyzing the waste generated around us, empty Tetrapaks, of various sizes, were chosen and experimented with. It was observed that the layers of plastic, paper and aluminum form a strong surface and the inner silver side could be of great aesthetic value. Collecting, cleaning, cutting, weaving and stitching were main steps taken to make these products hence, increasing the life cycle of the Tetrapaks. Environmental awareness and protection is a priority.

We all have to play our part in protecting the planet. Think about it. Act upon it.