Sustainability Design Challenge — Frank Field Education Trust

The Challenge

Plastic is everywhere. It is useful and convenient, but it is also one of the world's biggest pollution problems.

The Greenpeace Big Plastic Count found that UK households discard an estimated 90 billion pieces of plastic each year, with only 17% recycled within the UK.

Discarded plastic harms wildlife, pollutes our oceans, and contributes to environmental damage both in the UK and overseas. To create a more sustainable future, we must reduce plastic waste, reuse materials wherever possible, and find innovative ways to give plastic a second life.

The Design Brief

Theme: Respect for the Environment

Using used plastic packaging, design to make a new functional product.

Your task is to:

Find examples of used plastic packaging that can be repurposed.
Produce a range of design ideas on an A4 sheet showing possible products you could create.
Create a functional product using the plastic you have collected.
Use as little additional material as possible.
Develop a product name and brand identity.
Prepare a short pitch to present your product to a panel of judges.

Who Can Enter?

Students may work:

Independently, or
As part of a team of up to 4 students.

How to Enter

Pupils must speak to their Design Technology department for further details on how to enter the competition.

Grand Final

The shortlisted teams will be invited to showcase their work and pitch their products at the spectacular Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port.

Set against the backdrop of one of the UK's largest aquariums, finalists will present their innovative designs to a panel of judges, while highlighting the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting environments.