Creativity, sustainability, and clever functionality. These are the three key values combined in the diploma project of designer Alžběta Formanová, MgA., who used a recycled plastic panel from Plastic guys in her project – the Modula table.
Alžběta first encountered our material during her studies, when she saw it in the projects of her classmates. Over time, it caught her attention not only with its appearance but also with its story – waste plastic given a second chance to become a full-fledged and beautiful product.
“What struck me most is that it’s a recycled material that has been reused and transformed into something meaningful. Beyond that, its look is captivating – each panel is unique and has its own visual story,” says Alžběta.
Modula is the result of her ambition to design a dismantlable and easily repairable table, perfectly aligned with the principles of circular economy. Thanks to its modular construction, individual parts can be replaced without having to discard the entire product – and recycled plastic proved to be the ideal partner.
Interview with the author of Modula
How did you first hear about Plastic guys and what caught your attention about the material?
I first heard about you from classmates at university who worked with the material. I also saw a bachelor project where a chair for public spaces was designed from recycled plastic. Later I began to notice the material in professional publications. I was fascinated that waste can be given a new function and that the material has a distinctive appearance – textures unlike conventional materials that instantly draw attention.
I needed a material that is easy to process, sustainable, and visually distinctive. The Modula concept is built on easy assembly and repairability – users can put the table together themselves and replace only a damaged part. Recycled plastic met these requirements, and I also resonated with the philosophy of giving waste a new purpose.
Key qualities for the design?
It was a combination of processability, aesthetic value, and the story behind the material. The aluminum frame provides technical precision and lightness, while the plastic adds playfulness, contrast, and a human touch.
How was the work with the panels? Anything surprising?
I was pleasantly surprised that the panels can be processed very similarly to wood. CNC milling enabled precise openings for cable management and grooves for the legs – everything fit perfectly. I then hand-sanded the edges and used leftover pieces to create magnetic screw caps.
A detail that you enjoyed most?
Each panel is an original, and I was able to design my own pattern. This allowed me to make the project stand out without unnecessary decoration – keeping it clean and simple.
How did people react to the recycled origin?
Many thought the tabletop was stone. When I revealed it was recycled plastic, it was met with surprise and positive reactions. The jury in my diploma defense appreciated not only aesthetics and function but also that I considered the whole product life cycle – from material choice to packaging.
Comparison with other materials?
Wood is beautiful and warm but has its limits. Aluminum is technically great, light, and endlessly recyclable, but it feels cold. Recycled plastic offers unique texture, strength, easy processability, and a strong story. Combined with aluminum, it creates a balanced contrast.
Did you have any doubts during the process?
The weight of the panel surprised me – it was heavier than expected. That’s why I made the frame lighter. Concerns about repeated screwing into the panel proved unfounded – the joints still hold well even after multiple assemblies.
Sustainability and circularity in design?
Designers hold responsibility for the entire lifecycle of a product. For Modula, I focused on material consumption, minimizing waste, and reusing leftovers. Flat-pack design also saves space and emissions during transport. For me, it’s about balancing aesthetics, functionality, and environmental respect.
Future use of the material?
Absolutely. I want to test its behavior outdoors and in heavy-use interiors, such as wall cladding in public spaces.
Sustainable Design for Everyday Life
The Modula project proves that sustainability and aesthetics can go hand in hand – without compromising quality or functionality. Alžběta’s approach is holistic: considering construction, material consumption, and packaging, while finding new ways to give waste materials another life.
We are proud that our recycled plastic became part of this project and that we can collaborate with talented designers who transform waste into valuable products.
Do you also want to create an interior or product with its own story? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to help you find a sustainable and original solution.
