Polycycle Illumination – Upcycling Ocean Plastic Bags

Polycycle Illumination is a collection of lamps crafted from upcycled Polyethylene (PE) plastic bags, aiming to promote a safer ocean for marine life. Annually, approximately 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used globally, with an estimated 1% to 3% of them eventually entering the ocean. Due to their translucent film texture, discarded plastic bags drifting in the ocean resemble jellyfish, deceiving sea turtles and other marine animals into ingesting them. This ingestion can result in digestive issues and death among marine animals. Polycycle Illumination addresses this threat by harnessing the flexibility, translucency, and thermoplasticity of discarded PE plastic bags. Through upcycling, layers of discarded plastic bags are fused via heat pressing into flexible, translucent plastic sheets, which are then fabricated into elegant, jellyfish-shaped table lamps. The aim is to extend the lifespan of plastic materials, reduce oceanic plastic waste, and foster a healthier marine ecological environment.