Circular economy instead of disposable thinking: FANTOPLAST develops new approach to plastics

In Vienna's Urban Lakeside FANTOPLASTshows how plastics can play a meaningful role in a sustainable future. Since 2024, the team of designers and researchers has been developing panels made from 100% recycled PETG - a plastic that comes directly from regional waste streams. These panels are more than just a material: they represent a rethink in design and production that follows the principles of the circular economy and combines the social, environmental and economic dimensions - the "triple transition".

 

From the mountains to everyday life

FANTOPLAST panels are durable, versatile and aesthetically pleasing. With their format of 200 × 100 cm and designs from the "Core Collection", they can be used in a wide variety of areas: from furniture construction and wall cladding to solutions for wet rooms. But the real value lies in their history. Each panel is made from regionally sourced plastic waste, which not only saves CO2, but also strengthens regional economic cycles and gives waste materials a new meaning. For example, an old gondola that has long since ceased to float over Austria's ski slopes is transformed into a stylish tabletop that enhances any living space.

 

Sustainability in all dimensions

FANTOPLAST shows how the circular economy works in practice. With 100% green electricity and recycled PETG, the company saves up to 80% CO₂ compared to the production of new plastics. Materials that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill are turned into durable, versatile products for architecture and design - chemically and mechanically resistant. Through regional collaboration and close cooperation with universities, new approaches to recycling and materials research are constantly being developed. A model that conserves resources, reduces emissions and paves the way for the responsible use of plastics.

 

Design meets innovation

In April 2024, FANTOPLAST launched the Core Collection to the Austrian and European market - a collection that combines innovation and design. The 20 unique designs are divided into five style families: Mono, Color Freckles, Duo Grains, Phantom Blends and Specials. This variety allows panels to be used flexibly in architecture and design - from simple accents to bold eye-catchers.

For projects that need to be even more individual, FANTOPLAST Remix offers customized variants: Based on existing color formulations and materials, designs are created that precisely match the requirements.

And for completely unique visions? With the Full Custom Service, designs can be developed from a minimum quantity of 25 panels / 1.5 tons of material that are 100% tailored to the customer's ideas. This even makes it possible to dye the granulate in a color that is not normally available in the product range. In this way, FANTOPLAST not only creates aesthetic products, but also tailor-made solutions for unusual projects.

 

A team for the future of plastics

FANTOPLAST is backed by an interdisciplinary team of five founders who combine their expertise in design, art, research and business. Raphael Volkmer, initiator of Precious Plastic Vienna, contributes his in-depth knowledge of plastics recycling. As brand strategist, Alessia Scuderi ensures that the vision of FANTOPLAST is given the right stage. Together with Florian Schäfer, Max Scheidl and Julian Jankovic, they are implementing their vision of rethinking plastic in a sustainable way.

 

A boost for the future

Plastic is often seen as a problem, but at FANTOPLAST it becomes a solution. The company shows how regional value creation, innovative technologies and well thought-out designs can work together to bring about real change. It's not just about creating products, but also about strengthening the market for recycled materials, creating new jobs and raising awareness of the circular economy.

With creative designs, well thought-out production processes and a clear goal to change the plastics industry in a sustainable way, FANTOPLAST will be more than just a supplier of panels in the long run - it will be a pioneer in innovation and environmental awareness and a tangible example of how Triple Transition becomes tangible and how we can create a real future perspective through holistic thinking and action.