West Michigan designers Jared Seifert and Lauren Copping have joined forces on a groundbreaking project called Design Declassified, which showcases furniture made from recycled plastic. The duo’s innovative approach aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
Seifert and Copping drew inspiration from a trip to Bali, where they witnessed plastic being recycled into durable sheets. “That experience really inspired us to come back and make a difference,” Seifert said. Upon returning to Michigan, they began collecting plastic waste, including milk jugs, detergent bottles, and pill containers.
The collected materials are shredded and recombined without added glues or dyes to form multicolored sheets of plastic. These sheets can be used to create various interior design elements, such as countertops, wall decorations, and furniture.
Seifert focuses on the technical aspects, while Copping handles interior finishes and design. “Our roles complement each other perfectly, allowing us to create products that are not only functional but also beautiful,” Copping said.
Their “Fragments to Form” exhibit at Kendall College of Art and Design featured a range of unique items made from recycled plastic, including a wall board, chairs, and a record player. The exhibit aimed to showcase the potential of reclaimed plastic and invite visitors to envision its full potential.
Image Courtesy: thecooldown.com
