35 Industrial Design SAPRO AWARDS Category: Creative and Artisanal Solutions The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO) represents the plastics re-processors in South Africa. Its members procure sorted, baled end-of-life plastics and re-process it into raw material. The recycled material can be used to manufacture new plastics products. South Africa is among the top recycling countries in the world. The prestigious SAPRO awards give recognition and exposure to products and companies that are doing more to drive up recycling and give recycled plastics a new life. This year the awards had a new category: creative and artisanal solutions, which was fit for projects that had not been released into market and suitable for students to enter. We are excited to share that the top 3 awards in this category went to UJ Industrial Design students! Luc Salzwedel won bronze for a trolley intended to be used by waste reclaimers who collect large amounts of recyclable waste from the streets and bins. This product is manufactured from plastic bottle caps, a common material waste reclaimers collect. This product is sturdy and durable yet lightweight, allowing for ease of use and making it ideal for waste reclaimers to collect their materials. The size, handle and wheels of the trolley make it easy for the waste reclaimers to pull along the streets. Nico van Blek won silver for a sustainable surfboard fin made from recycled HDPE waste plastic collected from beaches. This ecofriendly product supports a circular economy, offering both functionality and environmental impact. The vibrant blue hues of the fin not only reflect its intended use in the ocean but also raise awareness about the issue of ocean waste and marine life. Lethabo Maganyele won gold for a collection of vibrant keychains made from recycled plastic shopping bags. This product was designed to be both functional and stylish, offering a practical way to carry your groceries while also promoting environmental sustainability and a circular economy. It is practical as it can simply attach to your car keys without getting in one’s way. This product is made from used plastic shopping bags. The colours of the keychains vary depending on the shopping bags used to create the product, giving each one a unique appearance.
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