[ 彩材拆拆 x UNWRAP CMF ]
Ch.42 Unwrapping CMF Design at Precious Plastic NYC
Ch.42 拆招CMF設計談Precious Plastic紐約分部

CMF is a specialized area within industrial design that focuses on the development of products‘ color, material, and finish. Unwrap CMF shares bite-sized stories with digestible contents for anyone and everyone, inspiring curious minds about CMF Design. Enjoy learning? Use the mentioned terminologies to kick-start your research journey. Messages are always welcome! LinkedIn | Instagram | Email ✉️

Do you still think sustainability is just a buzzword?
Why do some people claim that it comes at a higher cost?
If these questions ever ponder you, join me as we take a journey to Precious Plastic New York in the Bronx! (中文請見下方)

Precious Plastic is a global community committed to extending the lifespan of plastic materials. Here at PPNYC’s compact yet multi-functioning studio, two essential pieces of equipment stand as the heartbeat of the operation: shredders and injection molding machines, working to breathe new life into discarded plastics.

The process begins with sorting and shredding of various plastic types. Don’t forget, not all plastics are created equal. Behind the generic term “plastic” lies a diverse array of materials, each with unique properties and characteristics. Flip over any plastic container, and you’ll find labels like HDPE, PETE, and PP, among others. 

Combining varying plastic properties during the injection molding process can easily lead to deformities, making material sorting a necessary step. As each plastic type requires its own specialized treatment (e.g. melting temperature), it takes numerous trials just to test out the best suitable injection parameter for ONE type of plastic. That means, recycling the same plastic type in bulk, like defects or containers from the same source, will greatly improve the efficiency of the plastic upcycling process.

Running a nonprofit community like PPNYC is never an easy task, requiring funding, volunteers, space, and equipment. The effort is rewarded not only by your recognition but also by the creation of beautiful pieces. These upcycled plastic pieces often exhibit a distinctive aesthetic like works of art – some may be akin to jade, and others to marble. 

While there may be no perfect solution, every step taken is a step forward to a greener future. 

By raising awareness, championing sustainable practices, and supporting organizations dedicated to making a difference, you become an essential part of the solution. The journey starts with understanding, collaboration, and a willingness to create a brighter, greener future – one plastic transformation at a time ♻️?




CMF全稱為Color Material and Finishing,屬於工業設計旗下專注於產品色彩、材質、及表面處理工藝的關鍵一環。UNWRAP CMF 彩材拆拆圍繞著這個主題,以淺而易懂的小故事拆解CMF設計的日常。CMF學無止盡,善用CMF關鍵字繼續網上鑽研。討論交流請來信至 LinkedIn | Instagram | Email ✉️

你是否仍認為永續只是噱頭?
為什麼有人聲稱永續成本更高?
如果這些問題曾讓你若有所思,一起跟著我們前往位於紐約Bronx的Precious Plastic吧!

Precious Plastic是一個遍佈於全球的非營利組織,這群志工們致力於延長塑膠的壽命。在Precious Plastic紐約分部(PPNYC)這個小巧而多功能的工作室裡,有兩台功不可沒的關鍵設備:切碎機和射出成型機。它們就像心臟運轉一樣,撲通撲通努力地讓廢棄塑膠得以復甦重生。

塑膠再生的過程離不開「分類」和「切碎」,這是因為塑膠並非與生具來就平等 —— 在廣義的「塑膠」一詞背後,隱藏著各種不同性能和特徵的分類。翻到任何塑膠製品的底部,都可以找到諸如HDPE、PETE和PP等塑膠類別的標註。

如果在射出成型的過程中使用混料,很容易導致塑膠產生變形,這使得分類成為必不可少的關鍵步驟。由於每種塑膠類型都需要其量身定做「特殊待遇」,例如熔化溫度,因此光是單一塑膠類型就需要反覆多次試驗,才能找到最適合的模內射出參數。這也意味著,若能大批次回收同款塑膠,比如同一來源的不良品或空罐,將大大提升塑膠再生的整體效率。

運作像PPNYC這樣的非營利團體從來都不是容易的任務,需要資金、志工、空間和設備。好在,這些辛勞也能迎來回報:一是來自大家的認可,二是兼具美觀和意義的作品 —— 這些切碎後再生的塑膠品往往呈現如藝術品般獨特的外貌,或是溫潤如玉,或是典雅如大理石。

儘管沒有完美的解答,但邁出的永續每一步都是邁向更綠色未來的一步。

通過倡導永續意識並在生活中實踐永續,並支持這些致力於改變的團體,你也能成為永續旅程的重要一員。永續的旅程非常需要多方相互理解、相互合作,讓每一件成功的塑膠再生成品成為邁向綠色未來的閃亮亮里程碑♻️?✨

註:樣品由PPNYC提供 / Samples provided by Precious Plastic NYC
翻到任何塑膠製品的底部,都可以找到諸如HDPE、PETE和PP等塑膠類別的標註。
Flip over any plastic container, and you’ll find labels like HDPE, PETE, and PP, among others, specifying types of plastic.
因塑膠性能各異,混料回收的塑膠品需先進行清潔和分類,才有助於射出成型順利進行。
Due to their varying properties, it is necessary to clean and sort recycled plastics beforehand to ensure a smooth injection process.
塑膠性能各異,模溫不適可導致變形,因此需要多次試樣才能找到最佳的模內射出參數。
Plastics vary in performance and deform under wrong temperatures, requiring multiple trials for optimal injection molding parameters.
註:樣品由Formation BX提供 / Samples provided by Formation BX
若能大批次回收同款塑膠,比如同一來源的不良品或空罐,將大大提升塑膠再生的整體效率。
Recycling the same plastic type in bulk, like defects or containers from the same source, greatly improves plastic upcycling efficiency.
註:照片攝於PPNYC / Photo taken at Precious Plastic NYC
回收後的塑膠製品需經過清潔和切碎,才能進行下一步的射出成型。
Recycled plastics need to be cleaned and shredded before they can enter the next step of injection molding.
註:照片攝於PPNYC / Photo taken at Precious Plastic NYC
切碎後再生的塑膠品往往呈現如藝術品般獨特的外貌,或是溫潤如玉,或是典雅如大理石。
These upcycled plastic pieces often exhibit a distinctive aesthetic like works of art – some may be akin to jade, others to marble.
註:樣品由PPNYC提供 / Samples provided by Precious Plastic NYC


Problem-solving CMF Fixer. Formerly manages the CMF Design team at Motorola, and currently a New York-based and world-traveling Design Consultant with specialty in CMF Design since 2011. 高雄囡仔,前世帶領摩托羅拉CMF設計團隊,今生定居於紐約並遊牧世界,任自由撰稿人兼CMF設計顧問,持續投入在CMF設計的科普推廣,並為提供CMF專案支持或諮詢服務。
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