Royal College of Art graduate Erik de Laurens has developed a plastic made only from fish scales, heat and high-pressure.

Joining the wave of non-petroleum-based plastics, fish scales could be the new plastic. In response to the excessive waste created by the fishing industry, Erik de Laurens has created a plastic-like material made from fish scales. Using only heat, pressure and dyes for color, Erik has transformed ordinary fish scales into goggles, tumblers, spectacles and inlay tiles for a decorative tabletop.

Entitled, Fish Feast, Erik’s project was originally inspired by an educational project that began in Cape Town. Among objects all created using the parts of caught fish, Erik first created his fish scale tumblers. Similar to recent studies using waste chicken feathers for bioplastics, further research into the waste associated with the fishing industry led Erik to develop more products to test his new plastic material.

Shortlisted for the 2011 Sustain RCA Award, Erik will be exhibiting his work this coming September during the London Design Festival. The Sustain Award recognizes graduate student work that demonstrates excellence in sustainability thinking. We here at Crisp Green congratulate Erik on his achievements and innovative project. He is currently looking for funding so please visit his website for more information.