-- Trashpak, an all-new collection of handmade backpacks created from brand-new industrial trash bags before they ever enter the waste stream, is currently live on Kickstarter and raising funds to bring a bold new perspective on material design and product lifecycles to consumers worldwide.
Rather than focusing on what happens after plastic becomes waste, Trashpak asks a different question: what if design could intervene before waste is created? Through a proprietary heat-pressing process, brand-new industrial trash bags are transformed into a durable sheet material and handcrafted into lightweight, water-resistant backpacks designed to last for years. The result is a functional everyday backpack that also serves as a conversation about how society assigns value to materials.
“Perhaps the most surprising thing about Trashpak is that it isn't a recycling project,” says Pietro Quintino Sella, Founder and Designer of Trashpak, on the inspiration behind the project. “People often need a moment to process that idea because we've spent decades believing that recycling is the answer. Recycling certainly has a role, but when only around 9% of plastic waste is recycled globally, I believe design should also explore what happens before waste is created. That's where Trashpak begins.”
Founded as both a design studio and material research project, Trashpak explores the idea that some materials may never need to become waste in the first place. By intercepting industrial plastic before its intended single-use purpose, the project transforms a material designed to last for only minutes into a product intended to remain useful for years.
Key Features of Trashpak:
- Material-First Design Philosophy — Created from brand-new industrial trash bags before they enter the waste stream.
- Specialized Heat-Pressed Material — Multiple layers of industrial trash bags are fused into durable sheet material through a heat-pressing process.
- Handmade in Portugal — Every backpack is individually cut, assembled, and sewn in small batches using local craftsmanship.
- One-of-a-Kind Appearance — Natural folds, textures, and markings created during production ensure that every backpack is visually unique.
- Lightweight and Water-Resistant — Designed for everyday use with a durable exterior and practical functionality.
- 16-Inch Laptop Compartment — Includes a padded interior compartment designed to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches.
- Designed to Last — Challenges conventional ideas of disposable materials by transforming them into long-lasting everyday products.
Rather than positioning itself as another sustainable fashion brand, Trashpak presents a different way of thinking about plastic and product design. The project uses contradiction as a design tool, transforming a material associated with disposability into an object people carry, value, and keep.
“I often describe Trashpak as an act of material hijacking,” adds Sella. “We take plastic before it enters the waste stream and redirect its future. Instead of becoming another disposable object, it becomes something people carry, value, and keep for years.”
Trashpak is currently live and available to support on Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/881448492/trashpak-from-trash-bags-to-backpacks
About Trashpak
Trashpak is an independent design studio and material research project founded by industrial designer Pietro Quintino Sella. Designed and handmade in Portugal, Trashpak transforms brand-new industrial trash bags into durable backpacks through a heat-pressing process that creates an entirely new sheet material. Rather than focusing on recycling, the project explores how design can intervene before waste is created, challenging conventional thinking around plastic, value, and product lifecycles. Each backpack is produced in small batches and reflects Trashpak’s belief that design can question the status quo while creating functional, long-lasting objects.
For more information on Trashpak, please visit pietroquintinosella.com or instagram.com/trashpak_
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Contact Info:
Name: Mark Winters
Email: Send Email
Organization: Trashpak
Website: https://www.pietroquintinosella.com/
Release ID: 89196869
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