Francien Fons
Hugo Lopez
Joaquim Boendermaker
Marit Vuyk
Tutors: Caroline Newton, Lei Qu and Alexander Wandl
Key words: Plastic, circular economy, compostable plastics, human engagement
Plastic is a durable and versatile material that underpins our global economy. However the increasing leakage to the environment and greenhouse gas emissions is concerning. To address these concerns, this project provides a comprehensive plan to integrate the network and push forward this change using data, technology and spatial planning for the province of South Holland. Our ambition is that by 2050, the way we use plastics
within the province of South Holland has changed drastically. The plastics industry, which is primarily linear at the moment, will shift to a circular model. The province will no longer rely on the import of non-renewable resources as raw materials for this industry, or rely on the export of excess plastic waste as an end of pipe solution - to plastic waste issues. Consumption has been limited to a minimum through socioeconomically fair and viable alternatives. End-of-pipe solutions shift to recycling and, perhaps, composting – diminishing the environmental impacts and closing the loop of the plastic cycle. In thirty years, the circular model will entail fair and viable solutions throughout the plastic lifecycle. The strategy is that the plastics cycle runs sharing the values of cooperation, responsibility and spatial justice in every stage of the material loop. To realise this future, we propose the spatial intervention seen in the Fantastic Plastic hubs, parks and port. They are like catalysers of the first examples for the goals below can thrive:
• People actively engage in the plastics cycle
• Space and resources are used in fair, inclusive and efficient ways
• All plastics in Zuid-Holland are produced and processed locally
• Plastic use is reduced to a minimum and the plastic that is still used is recycled or fully compostable
• Recycling is the norm for end-life plastics