13. Implications and applications¶
Eco-Friendly Fashion: Bioplastic Crochet Handbags for a Greener Future
This week marks the beginning of the development phase for my final project: the Icyizere Bioplastic Handbag. Although the idea is still taking shape, I’m committed to spending the next three months refining and transforming it into a finished product that reflects both sustainability and creativity. The handbag will be a unique fusion of handcrafted crochet and biodegradable bioplastic, combining traditional textile techniques with innovative, eco-friendly materials.
My goal is to design a fashion item that goes beyond aesthetics—something functional, environmentally responsible, and culturally rooted. I’ll draw from the skills and knowledge I’ve gained so far, including working with biomaterials, exploring modular construction techniques, and experimenting with surface finishes. The crochet will form the outer structure of the bag, adding texture and beauty, while the bioplastic will serve as a soft yet supportive inner layer that gives the bag its form and durability.
I’m also paying close attention to how the materials interact—ensuring that the fusion between crochet and bioplastic is both practical and visually appealing. This process will involve a lot of testing, adjusting proportions, trying different patterns, and working with natural dyes to achieve the right look and feel.
While there are still many creative decisions to make, I’m excited to begin this phase of experimentation and hands-on work. The Icyizere Bioplastic Handbag represents not just a product, but a personal journey of learning, designing, and reimagining what sustainable fashion can be.
The research and concept
The Icyizere Bioplastic Handbag project is rooted in the urgent need for more sustainable solutions in the fashion industry, where synthetic materials and plastic-based accessories contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Through research into biodegradable alternatives, the project explores the use of gelatin-based bioplastics—made from renewable sources like plant waste—as a soft, compostable inner structure. This is combined with handcrafted crochet made from natural fiber yarns, offering a biodegradable and visually appealing outer layer. The concept blends traditional craftsmanship with bio-innovation, using transparent or semi-translucent bioplastics to highlight the material’s aesthetic value while maintaining functionality. By merging these materials, the handbag becomes a symbol of hope ("Icyizere")—a fashionable, biodegradable accessory that tells a story of cultural heritage, artisan skill, and environmental consciousness.
Inspiration
The Icyizere Bioplastic Handbag draws strong inspiration from the innovative work of Suzanne Lee and her BioCouture project, which explores the intersection of biology and fashion. Her pioneering approach to growing materials and using living organisms to create textiles challenged conventional boundaries of design and sustainability. This vision inspired me to explore how handcrafted crochet—rooted in cultural tradition—can be fused with emerging biomaterials like bioplastics to create a product that is both functional and environmentally conscious. Just as BioCouture reimagines clothing as something grown rather than manufactured, the Icyizere handbag embraces a similar philosophy by blending biodegradable, gelatin-based material with handmade crochet, forming a symbolic and sustainable fusion of tradition and innovation.
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradable materials are substances that break down naturally through the action of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, minimizing pollution and waste. Unlike synthetic materials, which can persist in the environment for years, biodegradable materials decompose into natural elements. These materials, often derived from renewable resources such as plant-based substances or natural fibers, offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials. In my planned bioplastic handbag project, I aim to combine tree tomato waste with crochet techniques to create a unique, biodegradable accessory. The bioplastic material I plan to use will break down over time, offering a sustainable solution to plastic pollution. By repurposing organic waste, this project would reduce landfill waste and align with circular fashion principles, contributing to both environmental sustainability and innovative design in the fashion industry.
Why, What, Who, When, Where?
Why?:
The project addresses the growing need for sustainable fashion solutions to reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. My goal is to create a biodegradable, eco-friendly handbag made from tree tomato waste and crocheted using sustainable practices. This project will help reduce plastic pollution while offering stylish, functional accessories for environmentally conscious consumers.
What?:
The product is a biodegradable handbag crafted from tree tomato waste combined with crochet techniques. The bioplastic material will be both durable and eco-friendly, breaking down naturally over time. The handbag will offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic handbags, making it both stylish and environmentally responsible.
Who?:
The target audience includes individuals seeking sustainable fashion options and those interested in eco-friendly, biodegradable accessories. This project is particularly suited for consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility in their purchasing decisions and for those in markets focused on reducing plastic waste.
When?:
The handbag will be designed for daily use and made to last over an extended period, thanks to the durable biodegradable materials. It will be available once the development phase is complete, and the materials are sourced and tested for functionality.
Where?:
The handbag is designed for everyday use in various lifestyles, adaptable for users across different environments. It will be marketed in regions with a growing interest in sustainable fashion and environmentally friendly products.
How?:
The handbag will be created using a combination of tree tomato waste, which will be processed into bioplastic material, and crochet techniques. The bioplastic material will decompose naturally over time, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials. The handbag will be designed for long-term use and easy maintenance, promoting sustainability and circular fashion. The project aims to repurpose organic waste, reducing landfill waste and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Icyizere handbag project by Kwizera Ganza Eliane Josee
References & Inspiration