Social Entrepreneurship: Transforming discarded plastic into commercially viable products

Mar 12

Globally, recycled plastic is a relatively new source material for creating some of the most unexpected products. With a regional history and artisanal craft traditions dating back thousands of years, Armenia’s potential for creating a new, mixed workforce of artisans working with upcycled plastics is immense.

Proper Plastic’s work will be critical in engaging with an older generation of skilled craftspeople who are used to working with wood, metals and textiles to foreground recycled plastics in our product lines while maintaining the bespoke quality their trades are known for. Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs and artisans-in-the-making will get to collaborate with their elders to prototype fresh concepts that build on the ancient foundation of regional tradition. Not only would we be hiring these people to handmade our products, but we would be providing a framework for new business connections to be made amongst them.

We are committed to maintaining a friendly, fair, and creative work environment which celebrates diversity, new ideas and focus.

After having a number of market-ready products, we plan to set up Proper Shop, a physical showroom selling affordable, high-quality upcycled products with everyday practical applications, as well as online store.

Learn about plastic upcycling →
Learn about our educational projects →

Meet our first prototype

— Smart Eco-Table!

Size: 60x50x50 cm
Components: shredded plastic, solar panels, steel

The table is made using 3 kg of soft drinks bottle caps. This innovative technology allows single-use plastic waste to be upcycled into long-term sustainable design product. The table is also equipped with two solar panels to charge your devices while enjoying a coffee.

The table was unveiled during the United Nations Development Programme Environmental Awareness Week in Yerevan, Northern Ave, in September 2018.