Championing Sustainability: A Stunning Student Led Award Design
When creativity and sustainability meet youth leadership, powerful things happen. Future Makers intern Toby Maurice transformed recycled plastic into purpose, designing a bespoke Environmental Sustainability Award for Stone Soup Academy, supported by MJ’s Event Services Ltd.
In this behind-the-scenes reflection, Toby shares what it was like to manage his first solo project, from concept to completion and how he brought our mission to life: transforming recycled plastic into beautiful, meaningful designs that serve communities, celebrate change makers and inspire a more circular future.
Winner of the Stone Soup Environmental Sustainability Award 2025, held at Broadway Cinema.
From Concept to Completion: A Student Led Sustainability Project
Created to celebrate students making a difference, the Stone Soup Academy Environmental Sustainability Award recognises those who overcome challenges and champion sustainability. More than a trophy, it’s a lasting legacy, a visual reminder that plastic can be reused, not wasted.
Inspiration: Building on Circular Design Principles
This was my first solo project at Future Makers. I led every stage, from initial sketches to final delivery, for this inspiring alternative education provider in Nottingham.
My inspiration came from the awards Future Makers created for the Best Bar None and DHP Family annual ceremonies in 2024 and 2025. Since Stone Soup Academy approached us after seeing these, I wanted to echo that same commitment to reuse and regeneration. Using their logo as the starting point, I refined the design with the Stone Soup Academy and Janis, our workshop technician and moved into fabrication.
Choosing a Sustainable Material for a Circular Award
Material choice mattered, it had to reflect both sustainability and purpose. That’s where MJ’s Event Services Ltd came in. As sponsors, they contributed post-event Rewind® carpet, helping keep plastic in the loop. By chance, the purple shade perfectly matched Stone Soup Academy’s logo, making the award feel even more personal.
Collaborating with MJ’s gave me the chance to work with a new circular material and share knowledge, a key part of building a more sustainable future. At Future Makers, partnering with artists, designers, educators and businesses is how we turn recycled plastic into beautiful, lasting designs with impact.
Learning Through Challenges: Creative Problem Solving in Practice
Every project has its hurdles. For me, the toughest part was getting the plaque made to a high standard. I’d faced similar issues before, but this time I approached it with more confidence and it paid off. Clear communication with suppliers and staying calm under pressure made all the difference, especially when working with precision parts on a tight deadline.
Toby Maurice, Product Design Intern and Oli Silito, Assistant Principal at Stone Soup Academy.
Celebrating the Final Award
With all components ready, I worked closely with Janis to complete assembly and meet the deadline. The finished award features the school logo and space for six names, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates sustainability champions for years to come. The surface is the original finish of the recycled material, showing off its natural beauty. The plaque is made from anodised aluminium, which can be infinitely recycled, a small but important part of a circular future.
Acknowledgements
Looking back, I’m proud of what I have achieved. Although leading a project was daunting at first, I had fantastic support from Janis in the workshop, Tristan Hessing, Gill Barker, MJ’s Event Services Ltd and of course, Stone Soup Academy. Their input made the process so much easier and more rewarding. They also made it possible to showcase a student-led project built on collaboration and purpose.
“At Future Makers, we believe young creatives can lead the shift to a circular future. Toby’s award for Stone Soup Academy is a powerful example of how design, recycled materials and community impact can come together in a beautiful, lasting way.” Tristan Hessing, Director, Future Makers
The Power of Collaboration in Circular Design
If you're an artist, designer, educator or business with a vision for change, we’re here to help you bring it to life. At Future Makers, we transform recycled plastic into beautiful, impactful products that tell a story, of sustainability, creativity and circular thinking.
Email us at Hello@future-makers.co.uk to start your circular journey today, let’s design something that matters.
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