From Visitors to Contributors: Reflecting on Interplas 2026
Three years ago, Future Makers attended Interplas for the first time.
We were new to the plastics industry, exploring materials, building relationships and beginning to understand where our work in design, education and circularity could make a difference.
This year felt very different.
Future Makers display board at Interplas 2026
Our founder and director, Tristan Hessing took to the stage to share the Carpet Creates story in his presentation: From Event Carpets to Award-Winning Furniture: Circular Economy in Action
He also joined industry leaders for the Materials & Packaging Innovation Panel Discussion, contributing to conversations around circularity, material innovation and the role of education in shaping public understanding of plastics.
Alongside the talks, Carpet Creates was showcased at Interplas through the British Plastics Federation and Worshipful Company of Horners David Williams Award display, sharing the journey from event carpet to award-winning furniture with visitors from across the industry.
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss the next phase of the Plastic Revolution with Rapid News and industry partners, including The Worshipful Company of Horners, exploring how creativity, participation and visible transformation can help engage the next generation with plastics.
More Than An Exhibition
One theme kept emerging throughout the event:
How do we inspire more people to see value in materials?
Whether through Carpet Creates, the Plastic Revolution, public installations, education programmes or product development, our work continues to focus on making circularity visible.
When people can see transformation, materials gain value.
Looking Ahead
Interplas 2026 was a chance to celebrate how far Future Makers has come, but it was also a reminder of how much opportunity still exists.
We're incredibly grateful to our collaborators, including MJ’s Event Services Ltd and Blu Sky Technical Services Ltd, along with partners and supporters such as the Worshipful Company of Horners, who have helped make this journey possible.
The conversations started at Interplas will continue through new projects, partnerships and the next phase of the Plastic Revolution.
Because the future of circularity depends on participation.
The Worshipful Company of Horners Display with Future Makers planter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Future Makers?
Future Makers is a Nottingham-based design and manufacturing studio transforming plastic waste streams into circular, design-led products through education, collaboration and material innovation.
What is Carpet Creates?
Carpet Creates is a circular design project that transforms post-event carpet into award-winning furniture and products through shredding, sheet forming and fabrication.
What is the Plastic Revolution?
The Plastic Revolution is Future Makers’ education and engagement programme working with schools, communities and industry partners to make circularity visible through hands-on material transformation.
What did Future Makers present at Interplas 2026?
At Interplas 2026, Future Makers presented the Carpet Creates project, exhibited award-winning furniture, contributed to a materials and packaging innovation panel, and explored the next phase of the Plastic Revolution.
Why is visibility important in circular design?
When people can see and participate in material transformation, perceptions of value change. Visibility helps connect design, education and behaviour change within circular systems.
Where is Future Makers based?
Future Makers is based in Nottingham and works across the UK on circular design, education programmes and material innovation projects.