The rising amount of plastic in our oceans and waterways is seeing designers scramble to create new uses for the material to keep it out of the environment, which is what's at work with the Birò O2 electric vehicle.
Designed by Estrima in partnership with the Mandalaki Studio, the vehicle is crafted from 80% recycled plastic materials that are sourced from road maintenance equipment like signboards and cones. The equipment is ground down into a powder before being formed into the electric vehicle seen here that offers space for two people to get around in.
The Birò O2 vehicle features a powerful electric motor that can reach a top speed of 40mph and offer a driving range of 62 miles. Estrima will produce 31 of the vehicles, which is also the number of years before the oceans are expected to contain more plastic than fish to reinforce the dire nature of the situation.
Post-Consumer Plastic Vehicles
The Birò O2 is Made from 80% Recycled Plastic Materials
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Electric Vehicles - Opportunity for companies to create electric vehicles made from recycled materials.
2. Circular Economy Solutions - Opportunity for companies to use waste materials as a resource and create products with a closed loop life cycle.
3. Plastic Recycling Innovations - Opportunity for companies to develop new methods and technologies to recycle and repurpose plastic waste.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Industry - The automotive industry can adopt circular economy principles and incorporate sustainable materials in their manufacturing processes.
2. Waste Management Industry - The waste management industry can explore new methods and technologies to recycle and repurpose plastic waste.
3. Green Technology Industry - The green technology industry can innovate in sustainable product design and development using recycled materials.