When Sustainability Meets Design

As the world produces more than 380 million tons of plastic every year, a global threat to the environment and our oceans has been on the rise. With extensive research done, it is said that plastics consistently make up 80% of all marine debris (IUCN, 2020) and that by 2050 there will be more plastics than fish in the oceans. What actions have been taken until today? None! On the contrary, recycling rates are still considered the lowest where only 9% of plastic is recycled annually, on top of the fact that plastic production is forecasted to grow by 60% by 2030 and to treble by 2050. With these statistics and data, we can derive the harmful impact of discarded plastic waste on our daily lives,  as they are non-biodegradable and stay for more than 100 years polluting our earth. With no actions taken to limit the growth of this problem nor to reduce plastic pollution by implementing the 5Rs, we will drown in our microplastics in the years ahead.

In our Arab region, the knowledge on sustainability and recycling has started to get public interest due to the waste crisis most countries are facing. It is said that "the Middle East loses out on between $2 to $29 million in revenue from marine plastic pollution alone, accounting for factors such as public health, environment, and tourism" (Yehia Shaheen, 2019). As recycling rates are still low and at 9% in our countries, we decided to take on the challenge and to make an impact through finding long-term and innovative solutions for plastic waste. 

Our vision is to create zero-plastic waste culture in Lebanon and the region, through a system that adopts a circular economy model where plastic isn’t seen as waste, but rather a valuable resource. This will consequently be achieved through transforming discarded plastic into durable and strong sustainable material, that have an aesthetic form and texture. Not only that, but since we are passionate about this cause, we work towards spreading awareness on the harms of plastic waste, how to implement the 5Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) in our daily lives, and come together as a community to make a change.

As plastic recycling is commonly found as crushing and/or pelletizing worldwide, our innovation is able to transform plastic waste into sustainable panels and provide it as a Green Raw Material for usage in interior spaces. With the first pilot Sheet Press machine built, we produce 1mx1m panels, with thicknesses ranging between 1cm to 2cm, and having the ability to control color variations. Through specific methods and designs implemented, we can achieve a similar combination of terrazzo and marble texture, yet with plastic waste, which provides the material with an added value to its cliental.

Moreover, we are currently working on advancing this technology to manufacture a full system that will be more energy efficient and produce 2.4mx1.4cm panels, with thicknesses reaching to 5cm. This innovation is still not present in the MENA Region, and by that it would be one of the newest formed.

Our main customers are Designers (being interior, product designers and furniture manufacturers) and Architects who are looking for Sustainable Material to use in their projects. Followed by Ministries, Corporates and INGOs that are looking for CSR projects that aim to create a positive impact in their communities.

Currently, 4 Lebanese designers have used Paltic boards in their designs for interior and exterior spaces. In addition to working with Alissar who funded a project to train and guide women on recycling and upcycling techniques. Moreover, as part under CSR, we have maintained activities that focus on creating further positive impact on the community, where companies are able to fund projects related to: Beach Cleanups, Company Gifts made from recycled plastic, Workshops for Empowering Women in the Recycling sector, and Paltic Benches that can be installed in public spaces and schools.

It all started when both Co-Founder Hala and Nivine got the chance to meet on a volunteering trip in Ghana back in July 2018. They connected and realized their passion towards creating a change not only in their community but globally. That's when they decided to resign from their corporate jobs and begin their journey in Zanzibar in 2019, where they were involved on environmental and conservation projects. With time, they were inspired and decided to kick-off their project by end of 2019 that involved transforming plastic waste into small home/office accessories. After continuous research and testing, they upscaled their project into Paltic that offers a new sustainable material for designers across the region. Their passion and determination to create an impact is what kept them going despite all challenges they faced and criticism they received of being women working in the fields of waste management and manufacturing. Their aim is further grow and spread their impact and material regionally!

Both Co-Founders lead on everything from business, to engineering, to operations and design. Since Nivine has extensive experience in the business field, she takes on Finance, Budgeting & Reporting, Business Development and Planning. She continuously seeks different opportunities to serve for Paltic's growth Regionally, and to further expand its operations and products offering where relevant. In addition to being the tech lead, whereby she does extensive Research and Development to continuously improve the operational process, and develop the required technology to reduce CO2 emissions.

As for Hala, with her substantial expertise as an Interior Architect, she has the knowledge of what designers are looking for in terms of material and and required applications. In addition, as she has built her experience in Jeddah (KSA), she understands the market needs and directs Paltic to better position itself in the Gulf Region. Whether designs, applications, customization, and logistics, Hala leads on and provides advise of the best practices to follow from ideation to implementation.

We have been able to develop our pilot machine and MVP of the sustainable board, and were able to achieve the perfect finishing and full recycling process to be implemented. This has consequently given us the chance to participate in one of the biggest Design Exhibitions in the Region, Dubai Design Week (Nov'21), where we launched Paltic and exhibited our new sustainable material. We also reached top 10 finalists in MIT Pan Arab Competition that was held in Al-Madinah, KSA (February 2022), where we obtained our MISA registration. We received hundreds of feedback from attendants that came from Arab and International countries, who showed great interest in the material and the need to apply it in their projects. We have more than 300 potential clients of designers, architects and furniture manufacturers who we touched base with and are willing to invest in Paltic boards.

Each panel saves starting 10kg of plastic waste and goes up to 20kg, giving designers a direct impact on contributing to saving their environment and fighting climate change. Until today, Paltic panels have been used by designer for its award winning sustainable lamp-table (SOL), for renovating kids exterior playground, shelving units, surf boards and home accessories. Not to forget mentioning the workshops that we have given across Lebanon, UAE and KSA (total of +80) that focus on spreading the knowledge and awareness on importance of recycling and following sustainable practices in our ever day lives. 

With their continuous persistence, Paltic celebrated being nominated for two International Awards under the BIG 5 Construction Impact Awards 2022 - "Sustainable Construction Organization of the Year" and "Sustainability Champion of the Year". 

We are looking to be part of a Global Community that focuses on creating an impact and striving to support early-stage startups like ourselves. Being part of the will be a milestone, as we have been persistent in our vision & mission, and looking for opportunities despite the continuous challenges we have been facing since our inception in Lebanon. As women Co-Founders, we have faced a lot of criticism especially that we work in the Waste Management & Manufacturing sectors, as it's still uncommon in our region. That's why being part of this network, will further empower and provide us with the required training and set of skills from field experts to improve our standing. In addition, to getting exposure and networking channels, whether for sales, funding or investing. This will not only serve our benefit, but also to the community as we strive to introduce innovation and sustainability together and empower likeminded women to keep the legacy rolling.

As plastic recycling is commonly found as crushing and/or pelletizing worldwide, our innovation is able to transform plastic waste into sustainable panels and provide it as a Green Raw Material for usage in interior spaces. This will help us not only increase environmental awareness and save our communities from plastic pollution, but will also empower architects and designers to become change makers in their fields. We will be able to spread the importance of Sustainability and become leaders in this industry regionally. 

Our business model depends on panel sales, where the client can choose either from the available panel colors or customize their design depending on its use and color combination. The standard 1mx1m board with 1cm thickness, starts at $140 where its cost reaches around 35% of its price excluding VAT. Each panel creates the following impact:

* 1 panel, 1.0 cm thickness: 12kg of plastic waste

* 1 panel, 1.5 cm thickness: 17kg of plastic waste

* 1 panel, 2.0 cm thickness: 23kg of plastic waste

Accordingly, with every panel manufactured, a direct impact is recognized. 

Paltic works towards creating positive impacts being at the Environmental, Social and Cultural aspects.

o            Environmental Impact: through collecting and recycling tons of discarded plastic waste, instead of ending up in our landfills and polluting our oceans

o            Social Impact: introducing new technology and creating new job opportunities, which will improve the livelihoods of our team

o            Cultural Impact: starts from empowering women in the manufacturing and recycling industries in MENA Region, to advocating for sustainable and healthier lifestyles by enabling communities to acquire the knowledge and transformed sets of values and beliefs to better save their environment 

With the first pilot Sheet Press machine built, we produce 1mx1m panels, with thicknesses ranging between 1cm to 2cm, and having the ability to control color variations. Through specific methods and designs implemented, we can achieve a similar combination of terrazzo and marble texture, yet with plastic waste, which provides the material with an added value to its cliental.

Moreover, we are currently working on advancing this technology to manufacture a full system that will be more energy efficient and produce 2.4mx1.4cm panels, with thicknesses reaching to 5cm. This innovation is still not present in the MENA Region, and by that it would be one of the newest formed.

Full-timer: 1 

Part-timer: 2

Freelancer: 2

We launched on June 2021 and stayed operation until end of 2022, due to the continuous challenges we faced in Lebanon. However, since the past 2 months we have working on restarting Paltic as we see there is potential in the market as it's shifting in Sustainability. Accordingly, the total operation period will be around 2 years, excluding the pause we took in 2023.

Our Social Enterprise's Value is DIITS:

- Diversity: we offer equal training and employment opportunities for all individuals, no matter their gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, education and social background.

- Innovation: we encourage innovation and creativity, as well as presenting new ideas and initiatives that will lead to growth and productivity improvements.

- Integrity: we demonstrate and expect others to exhibit professionalism, honesty and reliability at all times.

- Team Work: we empower teamwork as together we can achieve more, and to create a collaborative culture amongst individuals.

- Sustainability: we continuously adapt and apply sustainable practices in our workspace and daily lives, with the biggest focus on reducing CO2 emissions and offsetting it throughout our recycling and production cycles.

Paltic panels have a current dimension of 1mx1m, thicknesses ranging between 10 to 20mm and distinctive patterns that are designed to fit environmentally conscious spaces, whether interior or exterior.  With the panels aesthetic design, designers and architects can replace the use of wood, marble, and terrazzo, and can utilize the panels across different applications whether for wall cladding, interior finishes and furniture manufacturing. As the material is made from 100% recycled plastic (using one type of plastic), it makes it re-recyclable, strong and water resistant. Each panel saves starting 10kg of plastic waste and goes up to 20kg, giving designers a direct impact on contributing to saving their environment and fighting climate change. 

Our business model depends on panel sales, where the client can choose either from the available panel colors or customize their design depending on its use and color combination. We also provide cutting services for additional fees. 

We are looking to secure grants or non-equity investment over the next year, which will help us improve our operational process, hire employees and invest in further R&D. Our plan is not only restricted to staying in the Lebanese market, but also expanding to the Saudi and Emirates markets since people have become more aware on the importance of Sustainability and its impact on the environment. We follow a direct B2B approach where our goal is to build partnerships with designers who will apply the boards in different projects they have. Thus, with continuous sales achieved throughout the months, we will be able to breakeven, have profits and reinvest in bigger machinery and tools.

Paltic will grow as a first step by acquiring more designers and businesses, which will help us demonstrate a wide range of applications of the material. This will be followed by the need to grow our operations, machines and offerings, as the current machine has a capacity of producing almost 120 boards/month. Thus, the advanced technology we are developing will produce 500 boards/month with double the pilot size and thicknesses that reach 5cm. This will cut down on operational costs and have a wider reach to consumers not only in Gulf but also Regionally and Internationally.