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The Patras workshop, as the final activity of the project, is a direct embodiment of the EcoFemSkills’ project goals, providing tangible engagement with plastic recycling.

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Setting-up the Patras’ Workshop

The EcoFemSkills workshop, located in the Prosfygika area of Patras, is a 24-square-meter space housing two crucial machines: a shredder and an injection machine. These machines allow participants to break down plastic waste and mold it into new products. Purchased from Sustainable Design Studio via the Precious Plastic Bazaar, these compact machines were chosen for ease of use and transport. After assembly and fine-tuning with the help of Precious Plastic Canarias, the workshop officially opened in April 2025.

From April to June 2025, the workshop hosted 6 practical sessions for regular learners (primarily young women/feminities aged 20-40) and 11 open days. Participants were eager for hands-on machine work, with shredding being a particularly popular and enjoyable activity. The injection machine, while requiring careful operation by the project team for melting, saw participants confidently handle the final injection process.

Experimentation and creations

Over three months, participants contributed about 6kg of plastic waste, mainly PET (1), PE/HDPE (2), and some PP (5). While HDPE and PP are standard, we experimented with PET, which melted but yielded a very brittle product that easily snapped, though it offered a unique shine. This experiment temporarily blocked the injection machine nozzle but was resolved, showing that small amounts of PET could be mixed with HDPE without issue.

The workshop uses 9 different molds, including a custom-made one depicting an ancient Cycladic figurine (made and gifted by Precious Plastic Canarias). Products created include figurines, book stands, combs, glass holding plates, and various small shapes. Failed injections and test melts are immediately remelted, minimizing waste.

Calculating the environmental footprint

In its first three months, the workshop received 6kg of plastic waste, recycling approximately 2kg (by the time of the report**)**. The injection machine used about 5.25 kWh, with total energy consumption (including lights and a fan) reaching ~8 kWh This resulted in a carbon footprint of 1.7kgs of CO2 emissions for recycling 2kg of HDPE plastic.

This footprint is significantly less polluting than producing new HDPE plastic (5.5kg CO2 for 2kg) but almost twice as polluting as professional recycling (0.96kg CO2 for 2kg). The report notes this is partly due to the learning curve of new operators, and the footprint is expected to decrease as expertise grows. Crucially, our research confirms that no other actively operating plastic recycling unit exists in Patras or Achaia beyond collection and shipping, making our workshop a vital local initiative. We also addressed microplastic creation from the shredder by adding a plastic bag to catch flyoffs, significantly reducing their release.

The future of the workshop

The Patras workshop is a crucial step towards localizing plastic recycling and fostering environmental awareness. Discussions are already underway regarding its long-term sustainability and potential collaboration with the Municipality of Patras to ensure continued open access.

We invite you to read the full EcoFemSkills Activity 5 Workshop Report. Your support and interest are crucial as we continue this hands-on journey to plastic recycling, from Tenerife to Achaia!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1adMvGF-ziOWhdubXDNnMIcCIwmU8vOS6/view?usp=sharing