Plastics on parade at BPF offices

The BPF offices in central London are playing host to an exhibition of iconic plastics objects curated by the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP).

The Federation says every six months a new theme will be introduced and the objects changed to reflect it. The first theme is ‘You Can Do It With Plastics’ and demonstrates the incredible versatility of plastics under the headings: buoyancy, flexibility, recycling, enablement, colour, sustainability, living hinges and insulation.

Professor Susan Lambert, Head of the MoDiP, said: “Plastics are capable of greater transformation than any other materials group. In this exhibition we wish to explore their design freedom and beneficial impact on society.”

The showcases will have items taken from the MoDiP’s collection, such as an electric hot water bottle made by R. A. Rothermel (circa 1945). This object is an example of plastics as a great insulation material. The excellent resistance to heat and electrical current of many plastics has contributed to the safety with which electricity is used.

Illustrating sustainability is the Team GB replica kit swimming trunks designed by Stella McCartney for Adidas, 2012, that contain 80 percent recycled Nylon.