These objects tell the story of an Australian optical company that made eye-glasses from recycled milk bottle tops.

​

In 2023, Australia began investing in technology and infrastructure that turned waste materials into new products close to where they had accumulated.

​

By 2027, the concept of waste had completely changed. Local transport hubs housed not only micro-factories but also local ‘libraries of things’ – places that encouraged people to eschew traditional ownership and instead borrow items for only as long as they were needed.

​

These two approaches dramatically reduced the need for landfill (an archaic term used for an area of space where people at the time disposed of valuable plastics). In 2028 a concerted campaign using specialist robots cleared 90% of Australia’s landfill, repurposing the areas for green space.