Ro Plastic Prize 2023

The volume of plastic produced and disposed of has fallen significantly in recent years, thanks to the widespread awareness campaign that has galvanized technological research to invest in the regeneration of plastic. This has resulted in innovative materials and uses that have converted most industrial production into sustainable ones. The new approach to this material, imbued with an ethical and responsible message, has influenced and inspired the international creative community.Works and creations, made from materials produced from recycling, reusing and/or up-cycling plastic, are now part of the portfolios of famous artists and designers around the world and are featured in exhibitions in international museums, exhibits and fairs.
Visual art and collectible design are embracing infinite forms of plastic with an unprecedented creative explosion that has increasingly impacted the collections of private individuals and the interest of auction houses and galleries.For this category, established and non-established artists and designers are encouraged to enter artworks, collectible design pieces, limited editions or unique one-off designs that utilise and maximise the various possibilities for reusing, recycling and/or up-cycling plastic. An essential aspect is that these works are able to harness interest within the world of international collecting and the art market.Accepted submissions (both indoor and outdoor) include installations, videos, photographs, NFTs, sculptures and performances without any restrictions.

The world’s catastrophic levels of pollution, the loss of biodiversity, the reported depletion of fossil resources, and the water and climate crisis are some of the reasons why global research and industry have made huge investments in highly innovative technological projects and products, successfully turning problems into opportunities: one in particular is WASTE.

Waste – the target of scientific and technological research that has turned its minus value into an asset– has generated a veritable High Technology Industry focused and developed on both the reuse of waste materials produced and economising the resources used for manufacturing.

For this category, researchers, students, universities, companies and industries are asked to submit new and emerging innovative research and/or industrial projects, based on a proactive approach to Waste that features significant high-tech performance and contemplates the reuse of production waste, the reduction of emissions into the environment and climate-friendly solutions that can increase the resilience of ecosystems by adapting lifestyles to new climate changes. The intent is to integrate technology and design to reduce energy use while maximising personal comfort, also focusing on buildings, streets and public spaces.

The circular economy generated by re-Waste is the key paradigm to concretely achieve social and environmental sustainability that is now unanimously and globally recognised.

To bring about this transition, also prompted by re-Waste, trained professionals are increasingly needed to develop, produce and manage new technologies capable of implementing this change. For this reason, the current school system (education and training) also urgently needs to address this issue by establishing outreach, education and training projects that include the approach and access to these new professions.

The research, production and industry sectors worldwide urgently need projects to spread awareness and knowledge that target various age groups, and are able to motivate, stimulate and inspire new generations of students to choose technical and professional paths on this issue.