The MAK Design Nite is the annual highpoint of the cooperation between the MAK and VIENNA DESIGN WEEK. The theme in 2020 was “Zero waste – circular design”. Plastic is the material non grata of the 21st century. But what are the possibilities for using new technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to move waste management towards recycling-based cycles? How can innovative projects be created from plastic waste with the help of smart recycling and new design strategies? And what is the future of waste avoidance and what are the tasks facing non-profit organizations, large companies, and each and every one of us?

In a talk, which could be followed both at the MAK and online and was moderated by Marlies Wirth (curator, Digital Culture and the MAK Design Collection), Chien-hua Huang (architect and designer), Sören Lex (plasticpreneur), Helene Pattermann (founder and CEO, Zero Waste Austria), and Raphael Volkmer (Precious Plastic Vienna – The Association for Increasing Awareness of Plastic Recycling) discussed how we can and should deal with plastic. Recycle, reuse, or avoid completely?

The talk was followed by an opportunity to try out innovative solutions and products for oneself in a workshop that was preceded by the invitation: #BYOP — Bring Your Own Plastic! As plasticpreneurs, visitors were able to clean plastic and transform it into new objects. The result was recyclable design that contributes to the reduction of waste and the protection of the environment.

The talk can be seen HERE

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