Experiential Dialogues: Raising Awareness on Biodegradable Plastics

tYPE
role
year
Interaction design
Design research / Concept design / Making / Exhibition design
2024
project summary
GOAL

Fostering critical thinking on biodegradable plastics through art

This project aims to reveal the often-misunderstood reality of biodegradable plastics while creating a platform to discuss how we can make informed purchases of "sustainable materials." Through tangible art, it seeks to raise awareness and encourage critical thinking about biodegradable plastics, a topic that remains relatively unknown in Japan.
why this work is important

Encouraging discussion on little-known plastic alternatives in Japan

In Japan, ~70 kg of plastic waste is generated per person annually (OECD (2022). Global Plastics Outlook). This stems from delayed governmental regulation on plastics and a limited market for alternatives. In a country where awareness of plastic alternatives is low, providing an engaging art piece to spark interest and foster dialogue is an essential first step.
challenge

Designing interactions to naturally spark discussions through art

I aimed at using a primarily visual art medium to inspire critical thinking and active discussion among viewers without forcing or asking them to discuss it.
outcome

An installation work that questions the definition of biodegradability

I created an art piece questioning the ambiguous definition of "biodegradable," which can sometimes take centuries to break down, and the sustainability claims of biodegradable plastics sold in the market. The work was exhibited  in Tokyo for three days, attracting approximately 100 visitors and facilitating spontaneous discussions among attendees.
Problem

Sustainable alternatives to fossil-based plastics are difficult to obtain in Japan　

When I studied abroad in Seattle, USA, it was easy to choose sustainable packaging in stores or purchase compostable garbage bags on Amazon. However, in Japan, finding alternatives to fossil-based plastics is much more challenging. This project explores the reasons behind this issue and what I, as a designer, can do to address it and take action.
user research to identify the core problem
Survey

Aside from systematic issues, the core problem was the lack of knowledge people have about sustainable alternatives

I conducted a survey with 20 participants to investigate consumer perceptions of biodegradable plastics. While the cohort was skewed towards young people in their early 20s and the sample size was small, 75% of respondents said they were unclear about what biodegradable plastics are. This led me to conclude that a lack of consumer awareness about biodegradable plastics is a significant barrier to their wider adoption

Awareness exists among some people, but skepticism about environmental impact, fragility, and high costs remain key barriers

user interview
I conducted interviews with respondents who said they wouldn’t purchase biodegradable plastics despite being aware of them, as well as with an acquaintance working at a materials company.

Distrusting group

Description of a person

Ken was studying chemistry as a master student in Tokyo. He lives alone and purchase products made with plastic, but he never bought sustainable alternatives.

Opinions about biodegradable plastic

He questioned whether products labeled as 'biodegradable' truly decompose. He thought it's fake since no scientific evidence was written on those products.

He also felt that, since composting is not widespread in Japan, these plastics would ultimately end up being recycled or thrown away as regular waste, rendering them

An employee of a material company

Description of a person

Rin works for a materials company in the business development unit. Recently, the company began developing sustainable materials, but her unit was hesitant to promote them as they were not profitable.

Opinions about biodegradable plastic

She mentioned that there is little incentive for companies to invest in expensive sustainable materials. While sustainable materials could be the future, short-term profits are prioritized.

Regarding biodegradable plastics, she emphasized that they should not be uncritically promoted due to doubts about their environmental contributions

research to identify the issues of biodegradable plastics

Is the skepticism justified, or is it simply a misunderstanding of the effectiveness of biodegradable plastics?

experiments & academic research

An experiment: Commercially available "biodegradable plastic" did not break down

In a homemade compost jar, I added organic materials like vegetables and fruits alongside biodegradable plastic (PLA) to test decomposition. While the organic materials began decomposing within a week and became unrecognizable after two weeks, the biodegradable plastic retained its original form.

Organic waste to compost
Flowers made of PLA 
(biodegradable plastic)
Put organic waste and
biodegradable plastic in a compost bin

Research: Biodegradable plastic can take +100 years to break down

I questioned why PLA labeled as biodegradable doesn’t actually break down, so I conducted research on biodegradability. I discovered that the term "biodegradable" doesn’t specify a timeframe for complete decomposition, meaning that, technically, something could take over 100 years to decompose and still be called biodegradable.

Among the PLA materials I used this time, some are compostable, but there are both industrially compostable and home compostable types—meaning they only break down in specialized facilities or at home. At the very least, my product was not home compostable.

Functionality is the core issue of biodegradable plastic - then, what can we do now?

Initially, I planned to create an art piece to raise awareness about the potential of biodegradable plastics.

However, through research, I realized that there are functional issues with current biodegradable plastics, and without product innovation, they cannot contribute to the environment.

As a result, I shifted my focus to informing people about these issues and creating a space for discussions on how to make informed purchases of sustainable materials.

Biodegradable plastics still face many challenges, However, I believe that creating spaces for discussion can serve as a foundation for future innovation.

This project approached the apathetic group by inviting them to see artwork and leading them to a space for discussion about the current issues on biodegradable plastics

Design an installation

Representing and criticizing the limitation of current biodegradable plastics

This installation represents and critiques the limitations of current biodegradable plastics by portraying a beautiful flower flourishing atop the premise of being 'environmentally friendly'—symbolized by a biodegradable plastic that fails to decompose in a compost jar. The work draws a parallel to the illusory promotion of sustainable materials.

An appearance that compels curiosity about the material

To capture the attention of the indifferent audience, I aimed to create an atmosphere that balances beauty with an eerie strangeness. Additionally, by handcrafting each petal, I introduced an unfamiliar texture designed to make viewers curious and ask, 'What material is this?'
design a space for discussion

Organizing a space for discussion

After gallery hours, I organized a space for discussions on sustainable materials and related creations. By hosting the event outdoors with snacks and treats, local residents could also participate, creating a space where around 10 people gathered each evening for 1-2 hours of discussion
impact & reflection

Creating an opportunity for discussion on informed purchase of sustainable materials

The installation was exhibited at Tokyo’s "Moku moku Gallery" from April 19 to April 21, 2024. Over 90% of visitors were unfamiliar with biodegradable plastics, creating an opportunity for discussions about its current state and future prospects. Visitors shared insights such as below.
Products claiming to use sustainable materials have become more common recently, but many feel like greenwashing, the companies seem to be just advocating sustainability without making real impacts.
If a company isn’t fully committed to sustainability, as brands like Allbirds seem to be, I can’t believe that buying their so-called sustainable products will actually contribute to sustainability.
These discussions underscored the importance of consistent branding, transparency in manufacturing stories, and an overall company commitment to sustainability—not just the product itself—in gaining consumer trust.