A CNC machine cuts out a steel mould which will be used to vacuum form lids.

I had an amazing day at two plastics factories in China. Plastics run our world today and as a mass production product designer I see it as my responsibility to design sustainably and ethically.

Seeing manufacturing in Australia and learning the theory in university is one thing but to witness it in China where so much of it happens is truly eye opening. It is almost like looking at how most of our world's products are made. For me, understanding exactly what goes on here is essential in allowing me to think of better ways to design sustainably and reduce wastage.

All geared up at the vacuum forming facility.

A long sheet of PET rolls along the processing line after being heated and formed.

Workers use a crane to move one ton of polypropylene sheet.