Design Thinking Workshop - SORINTEX

On November 8^th 2024, SORINTEX organization, partner in the Plan C project from the Republic of Moldova, hosted the "Design Thinking Workshop - Piloting to Create Innovative, Circular Plastics Solutions" in Chișinău.

This event brought together 12 face to face dedicated participants and 10 online, including experts in environmental science, construction, textiles, and representatives from environmental NGOs, all with a shared commitment to fostering sustainable and circular practices within the plastics industry.

The workshop was structured around an agenda that prioritized interactive discussions and practical activities, aiming to explore ways to transition from traditional plastic use to sustainable and circular models. Through a series of guided exercises and collaborative brainstorming sessions, participants examined core issues related to the life cycle of plastics, including durability, reusability, recyclability, and environmental impact. The thematic questionnaire distributed before the workshop helped attendees identify and focus on specific challenges and opportunities within each sector represented, encouraging a cross-disciplinary approach to problem-solving.

During the sessions, experts shared valuable insights from their respective fields, each contributing a unique perspective to the dialogue. Environmental experts discussed the pressing need for plastic solutions that minimize carbon footprints and overall environmental impact. Construction industry representatives highlighted the importance of durable and reliable materials in sustainable building projects, while those from the textiles sector explored how plastic waste could be repurposed and reintegrated into textile manufacturing.

By the end of the workshop, participants had collaboratively generated a series of actionable ideas aimed at advancing circular practices within their industries. Notable concepts included the development of modular and reusable plastic components for construction, and the creation of textile products made from recycled plastic, both of which align with the circular economy's goals of minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

The event not only encouraged cross-industry collaboration but also demonstrated the effectiveness of design thinking as a method for tackling complex environmental challenges. SORINTEX, as an advocate for innovative and sustainable solutions in Moldova, will continue to support initiatives that promote circular economy practices and contribute to the broader objectives of the Plan C project.

This workshop represents a significant step forward in the journey towards a circular plastics economy in Moldova, and SORINTEX remains committed to advancing these discussions and projects in collaboration with both local and international partners.