Bio-Self DIY Kit
Transforming Agricultural Waste Into Bioplastic Creations
Bio-Self is a DIY kit where users can create their own desk accessories using sustainable materials. It includes agricultural waste-based packs and paper molds, allowing users to craft items like tape dispensers, pen holders, and clocks.
Through these kits, users can explore how waste is UPCYCLED into everyday items and discover the potential of biodegradable materials.
Inside the DIY kit
Base packs (3)
Paper molds (3)
Guide book (1)
Components (3)
Tape
The raised rim was designed to fit into the groove of the layer below.
A classic desk item with a minimalistic and contemporary design.
Research
Abstract
As sustainability becomes a growing concern, Bio-Self explores how hands-on making can engage users in upcycling agricultural waste into functional objects. This DIY kit allows users to craft desk accessories using bioplastic and simple mold-casting techniques, making the process accessible to all ages.
To understand user engagement and the effectiveness of material-driven design, we conducted both qualitative and quantitative analyses, examining user interactions, material choices, and the creative process. Based on our findings, we identified key factors that influence user participation in sustainable making and discussed design implications for promoting biodegradable materials.
Background
Improper agricultural waste disposal
According to the Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture’s Green GDP report, the total amount of agricultural waste in 2022 was around 5.07 million metric tons, with biodegradable agricultural waste making up about 4.9 million metric tons. Among them, crop waste was the largest category at 2.46 million metric tons, followed by livestock waste.
While large-scale waste is generally well-managed, field research has revealed another important issue: many independent farmers do not properly handle leftover waste after harvesting high-value crops, putting extra strain on the environment. For example, burning corn leaves in open fields worsens air quality, dumping coconut shells in mountains leads to slow decomposition and pest problems, and burying peanut shells improperly disrupts soil nutrients, which can damage plant roots. These poor waste management practices not only harm the environment but also affect the quality of life for local communities.
The potential and limitations of Bioplastics
After gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues, we initially envisioned collecting small-scale agricultural waste and upcycling it into new products. Bioplastic emerged as the ideal material for our needs. This material, made by combining algae with natural preservatives, can turn fiber-rich waste into solid forms, making it a low-impact and an environmentally-friendly option.
What is Bioplastic?
A bioplastic or biopolymer is a plastic that consists of at least 20 percent renewable biomass sources, such as starch, cellulose, or sugar. According to Chris Goodall (Bioplastics: An Important Component of Global Sustainability, 2011), these materials come from natural sources and contribute to sustainability. Because of its biological origin, bioplastic is inherently biodegradable—it can break down into CO₂, water, energy, and cell mass with the help of microbes—making it largely carbon neutral, as explained by Jürgen Lorcks (Bioplastics: Plants, Raw Materials, Products, 2006).
However, due to its material properties, existing bioplastic products still face some design limitations. For instance, they are suited for making thin bowls and plates or, with a higher algae ratio, can be used to make flexible and stretchable items like bags. Our challenge is to develop a new formulation to enhance manufacturing flexibility, allowing our products to stand out from existing bioplastic offerings in the market.
User research
Unique experiences enhance perceived value
Before conducting experiments, we must first understand users' expectations and needs to determine the desired outcomes for our formulation.
To achieve this, we did a one-week survey focusing on bioplastics, collecting a total of 40 valid responses. Among them, 60% (24 respondents) expressed interest in purchasing eco-friendly products but had not had the chance to do so. The majority of these respondents were in the 24-35 age group.
Barriers
High price and quality consideration
Design or functionality doesn't meet needs
Doubts about material authenticity
Motivations
Environmental Sustainability
Attractive product design (Appearance)
Educational value
Among the 60% of interested but non-purchasing respondents, the 25-34 age group alone accounted for 30%. This raises the question: Are existing products failing to meet the needs of this demographic?
18~24y
25~34y
35~44y
Within the 25-34 age group , the strongest purchasing motivation was educational value, while the biggest barrier was that the product’s design and functionality did not meet their expectations. To explore these factors further, we identified several key points from interviews.
Insights:
A common trait among this group is that many have younger siblings or relatives.
Buying eco-friendly products is seen as a way to convey values, influencing not only their own lives but also the younger generation around them.
Concept
Understanding agricultural waste through hands-on creation
Rather than simply buying an eco-friendly product, creating a memorable hands-on experience is far more meaningful. By physically engaging with materials, individuals become aware that waste is not just a discarded matter—it is an integral part of our surroundings. With this philosophy in mind, the concept of our product gradually took shape.
Design
Creation connects to creating
We wanted to make everyday items that were both functional and meaningful. We chose a clock, a tape dispenser, and a pen holder because they’re all connected to the idea of creating.
Considering that many users will be doing alongside young children, we prioritized safety and ease of use. The design minimizes sharp edges and small parts that could be swallowed, while also ensuring that each item is sized for comfortable handling.
Compared to the clock and tape dispenser, the pen holder is flexible to use. We designed it as separate donut-shaped components that can be stacked in different ways to create varied visual effects.
Simple mold casting
To further simplify the making process, we chose mold casting, allowing users to form their creations with ease. The molds are designed to ensure smooth demolding, keeping the process simple.
Development
Exploring Bioplastic formulations
By leveraging online resources and various research materials, we compiled a list of bioplastic formulation ratios. We then conducted substitution experiments, replacing certain ingredients with agricultural waste. Through testing, we established a foundational set of bioplastic, documenting factors such as water ratios and the moisture content of agricultural waste.
Collaborating with partners from the chemistry department, we refined a formulation that aligns with our product concept while ensuring durability against environmental factors.
After the material was completely dried, we threw it onto a table, and it showed no signs of damage. In the final test, it even accidentally bounced into water but remained intact. The material has a medium hardness with flexibility, meaning it does not easily break under forceful bending or shatter upon impact.
Molds made from waste cardboard
Conclusion
Results & findings
Material performance
Bioplastic formulation with higher fiber content showed better strength but reduced flexibility.
High humidity conditions affected curing time.
Paper molds lasted up to 2 uses before breaking down.
Product experience & usability
While stirring, users observed the change in texture and color, building anticipation for the final result.
The colors and textures from the natural ingredients made the final product feel organic and alive.
Next steps
Bio Materials: Experimental materials still require some laboratory tests to better understand their potential applications.
Package design: We considered using the paper molds as the product packaging. However, due to time constraints, we didn’t have enough opportunity to fully experiment with that material.
Rather than selling Bio-Self as individual kits, an alternative approach could be workshops. This would:
Reduce the need for extensive packaging.
Allow better control over environmental conditions like humidity, ensuring better material consistency.
To collect more data on different materials and observe their feasibility.
Type
Thesis project
Advisor
Chun-Ting Wu
Designer
Hsin-Mei Wu, Yu-Yun Wu
Award
Product Design Flash Point - IDDAT
Exhibition
YODEX 2023, Taipei
