In the future when oil becomes too expensive, plastic will no longer be suitable for disposable products. These throwaway objects are often invisible as we only see their function for the brief period we use them for. They have inherent beauty in their super functionality — a single function in as little material as possible and totally inconspicuous. When the material of these super functional and super disposable objects change, do our perceptions about the material and its value also change? What about when these single-use plastics are obsolete?

This thermoformed clamshell vegetable packaging is precisely the type of plastic packaging that is totally recyclable and but is not recycled municipally. It is also invisible both physically and functionally when it is full of vegetables. It has been remade in ceramic as to retain its original purpose of keeping produce fresh.

The ubiquitous plastic party cup is perhaps the most iconic throwaway. It is literally a single-use object with the sole purpose of transporting liquid to the mouth. Typically made from polypropylene, it is not commonly recycled. The remade cup is spun aluminum with grey and gold anodizing which retains the original cups lightness, while remaining warm and seemingly far more precious than the thermoformed polypropylene. What will become of this classic cup when polypropylene becomes too expensive?

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Obsolete
Throwaways