The finalists
It was a difficult task deciding who should win.
It was the iconic and thought provoking replica of the plastic waste floating in the North Pacific Ocean gyre turned into a glass bottle rubbish sculpture, which caught the eye of the Premier judges and named overall winner.
Winning student, Lewis Fleming aged 17, from Blyth was awarded £500 for his gyre art installation that was designed to provide a ‘message in a bottle’ to provoke people into recycling more and becoming environmentally responsible for saving the planet.
Lewis said: “I’m really pleased to have won. I now know a lot more about how waste must be recycled and why designers must think about the environmental impact of their products.
“I have really enjoyed the project and learnt a lot of new design skills, which will support me in the future when I go on to study at university to be an interior designer.”
Runners up included Lisa Lyons aged 21, from Blakelaw who came second with her recycled furniture footstool made from discarded leather boots. And 18 year old Amir Majbouleh who came third for his chair made out of recycled tyres.
Tony Hitchens, Head of Marketing at Premier Waste Management, said: “The overall standard of the final designs has been exceptional and the students have successfully met the project brief by turning their research and prototypes into real-life sustainable products that help to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in a closed loop system.
“Lewis’ design really stood out because it was bold in its approach and drew attention to what should be a cause of concern for us all; the level of plastic pollution in the ocean.
“It’s extremely rewarding to see how the project has influenced the students’ attitudes and environmental responsibilities that now sit in-line with Premier’s ethos of diverting waste from landfill, and for this reason everyone at Premier is thrilled with the outcome of the products.”
Simon Bolam, Tutor at Newcastle College’s School of Art and Design, said: “Live briefs like this one are great for the students because it encourages them to work hard, and in this case they have exceeded their own expectations, as well as mine.
“This achievement makes it more likely for them to reach a goal that they and Newcastle College share, to enable them to win a place at university and go on to have successful careers in the design industry.”
