Based in the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, Thailand, BOPE is a design studio that has become a global benchmark for what is possible when open-source technology meets artistic vision. Founded by couple Pemika Sukeeta (Bo) and Supakrit Tarasri (Terh), the studio has been a dedicated member of the Precious Plastic community since 2016.

Recycling Machines Built for Two

When the couple Bo and Terh first set up business in 2014, they wanted to make high-quality handmade products for the many tourists that journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city. But when they discovered Precious Plastic, their goals got bigger: Make beautiful products from the plastic waste in their own community. 

Plastic recycling requires machinery, which can be unaffordable for small-scale businesses. But Bo and Terh say:

“We went through Dave Hakkens, the Dutchman who founded Precious Plastic, an online community about processing plastics. He was working on a small machine that could turn plastics into pieces, which I thought might be suitable for our small business. After we got a blueprint from him, we successfully built a prototype. It took a year learning how to create products that could be sold.”

From there, things took off: A decade later, BOPE is an award-winning plastic recycling workshop that continues to transform waste into value using just a handful of machines. Through pure experimentation, BOPE has demonstrated that it is possible to create large-scale projects with low-tech machinery. 

An Eye for Design

At the start, they built their own shredding, injection, and extrusion machines, focusing on products that were "portable and inexpensive". Their first breakthrough came with recycled coasters sold at the Chiang Mai Walking Street; a simple product that helped bridge the gap between waste and value for the local community.

It wasn’t long before the aesthetic excellence of BOPE’s designs caught the attention of consumers and collaborators. The undeniable beauty of their products generated a lot of demand and helped to expand their business.

• Product Range: They now produce everything from one-of-a-kind fashion accessories to art installations.
• Impact: As of 2021, the team had already processed over 1,500 kg of plastic waste into high-end design pieces.
• Education: BOPE also functions as a school, hosting workshops and studio tours for young designers and eco-conscious locals to learn the craft of upcycling.

Wearable Waste: The Plastic Bag Revolution

Where fast fashion fails, BOPE has picked up. BOPE has pioneered a unique technique for upcycling the "un-recyclable": thin, single-use plastic bags. While many recyclers struggle with flimsy films, BOPE transforms them into durable, leather-like textiles.

• The Process: They use a specialized heat-pressing method to fuse multiple layers of discarded plastic bags together. By controlling the temperature and pressure, they create a "fused plastic sheet" that is surprisingly tough, water-resistant, and flexible.
• Design Details: During the fusing process, they often incorporate colorful scraps or existing logos from the original bags to create one-of-a-kind patterns.
• The Finished Goods: These fused sheets are then cut and sewn into a range of functional accessories, including wallets, satchels, and tote bags. This process effectively gives a second life to materials that would otherwise clog local waterways or end up in landfills.

Quality AND Quantity

Their talent is easy to see. But the other thing that makes BOPE stand out is their ability to consistently produce large volumes of products with just a small number of machines. They have established themselves as a reliable workshop which has built a lot of trust with their partners. And as their business grows, their impact also grows, proving that a micro-recycler can be mighty!

So Much Value from Open-Source Tech

Because of the open-source machine designs developed by our team, a couple of individuals could start and grow a sustainable business that had not been accessible to them before. Supporting the Precious Plastic "Version 5" (V5) campaign ensures the continued development of these tools, enabling the global, decentralized fight against plastic waste to continue to grow. Join our global grass-roots movement by making a small donation today. Any amount helps!

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