Plastic bags are easy to use but difficult to degrade. They have a serious impact on society and the environment, especially the oceans. The design of this series of work is based on the relationship between the ocean and plastic waste. Wearing this jewellery symbolises the protection and preservation of our oceans.

Haochen’s work is inspired by the discarded plastic around her in her life, particularly discarded plastic bags and exploring how to innovate with and reprocess this material. By repurposing carrier bags as the main material in contemporary jewellery, people can reflect on what would otherwise be plastic waste.

The plastic bags are cleaned then cut into pieces that are stacked into different shapes. Low temperature heat is used to harden the thin plastic before a laser is used to cut the acrylic sheet to provide an overarching form. More visual interest is added through the use of small silver components such as rivets.