Art exhibition "Scrap and the future of plastic waste"

The cries of scrap collectors have become a familiar part of life from rural to urban areas. The scrap business, though informal, plays a pioneering role in the treatment and recycling of plastic waste – a pressing issue in the context of urbanization and increased consumption in Vietnam.

The art competition “Scrap bottles and the future of plastic waste” is organized by the Institute of International Training and Cooperation, Hanoi Architectural University; VietCycle Joint Stock Company, with the support of the Global Action Program on Plastic . The exhibition attracted the participation of 30 authors with nearly 60 works in various genres such as: Graphic prints, watercolors, sculptures, installation art, art photography, monoprints, etc.

The works vividly reflect the lives of scrap collectors as well as the negative impacts of plastic waste on the economy, society, environment and human health.

The story of plastic waste is told in a variety of genres such as: prints, rubber engravings, installation art.

In the end, the first prize was awarded to Eloise Saliou for her work “The Mountain of Trash”; the second prize went to Mahe Brillant for her work “The Burning Banquet”. The two third prizes were awarded to Anouk Drain for her works “The Burning Dump” and Nguyen Mai Tra for her works “The Iron Gate”.

"Mountain of Trash" by Eloise Saliou.

The work "The Burning Banquet" by author Mahe Brillant.

“The Garbage Dump on Fire” by Anouk Drain.

The work "Iron Gong" by author Nguyen Mai Tra.

Sharing about her work, author Nguyen Mai Tra shared: "My work uses bottles and pieces of recycled glass on a mica sheet background. Used glass on the market is rarely collected and recycled by reshaping because the processing cost is higher than making it from scratch. I hope that through this art form, glass can be turned into an effective reusable material and reduce waste that affects the environment."

Within the framework of the exhibition, a discussion was also held with the participation of experts and people working in the scrap and bottle collection profession. Experts said: Scrap collectors are the "first filter" in the plastic value chain, helping to separate recyclable materials from mixed waste. They are the bridge to bring plastic waste from households, shops and small businesses to domestic recycling units. This helps to optimize the flow of materials in the plastic value chain, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of the recycling ecosystem.

The discussion also raised the current situation: Currently, the scrap metal industry is still not properly recognized for its economic and environmental value. Most workers in the industry face major challenges, from precarious working conditions, low income, to a lack of support policies and protection of rights. In this context, raising social awareness and creating development conditions for this workforce will not only contribute to environmental protection but also promote the circular economic model - a sustainable solution to the growing problem of plastic waste pollution.

Guests shared many passionate ideas to protect the environment.

Scrap collectors are "green warriors" who help reduce waste in the environment.

The exhibition “Scrap and the Future of Plastic Waste” is not only an art event but also aims to raise public awareness of personal responsibility for plastic waste, encouraging practical actions such as sorting waste at source to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste released into the environment. The event is also a tribute to the collectors - the pioneers in building a circular economy in Vietnam.

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