plastic straws
Mats, bags, accessories and interior products made from recycled plastic straws
History and Origins
The technique of weaving plastic straws was inspired by raffia
weaving techniques. As straws are a waste product, an enterprising
crafts person in Uganda decided to create products using plastic straws
in place of raffia.
The straws are collected from empty glass Coca Cola
bottles that are recycled by the local Coca Cola Factory. The straws
would otherwise be thrown away.
Where is it made and by whom?
The recycled plastic straw products are made by the Kinawataka women’s initiative, based in Uganda.
Process
The straws are cleaned and left to dry for one day. The straws are
then ready to use.
Women weave them and join them together by hand, and
finishing work is carried out using a sewing machine.
Characteristics
The straws are 30cm in length, and are woven in a similar style to traditional woven raffia mats. They can be woven
in a wide variety of styles.
The plastic straws come in a variety of colours, including reds, pinks, blues, yellows and
beige.
The groups can produce panels 7.5cm wide and unlimited in length. The panels are then joined together to
form sheets of any shape or size.
Opportunities
The group currently makes floor mats, bags, jewellery and belts.
There is a lot of scope for developing new products and working to specific designs.