Our Process
Step 1 – Retrieval
The SeaSlab journey starts at the depths of the ocean. 100% of our material comes from plastic pulled off the coast of Seattle, WA, both from the beaches and straight out of the water. Unfortunately, most of the plastic floating in the ocean is netting left behind from fishermen. We partner with ORGANIZATION to help us retrieve plastic. The boats we take out are capable of carrying 10,000 lbs of plastic. A day of retrieval usually takes about 12 hours and begins early around 5am to fight the morning tides.
Step 2 – Processing
Once plastic is retrieved and sorted, we begin shredding it into paper thin pieces that can be easily melted. We have smelters that can take around 1,000 lbs. of plastic at a time. Once the plastic reaches 600° F in the smelters, it’s pulled out and spun into thin strips.
These strips are refined and straightened. Once cooled, they are molded into flattened surfaces to increase durability. Once durable, they are smashed together with intense pressure to further strengthen them and prepare them to become durable furniture.
Step 3 – Machining
After refining our processed plastic, we begin shaping what we want our material to become. We make tables, chairs, flat sheets, slabs, and other unique products. We decide what we want each piece to be before we start processing our material.