Navigating the world with autism, Reiten Cheng reimagines plastic's potential, transforming waste into wonder. Discover how this visionary inventor's creation, Polyformer, challenges convention and paves the way for sustainable innovation.
Heralded as the miracle material of the 20th century, plastic has become the villain of the 21st century party even as it continues to make our lives notably better in so many ways. The tales of plastic’s environmental impact are well known but what if the very solution to our plastic dilemma lies in the material itself? What if plastic, and PET plastic in particular, reimagined, could be a beacon for innovative, eco-conscious change?
Enter Reiten Cheng, an inventor with an exciting vision for the material’s future. In the latest adaPETation podcast we talked with this talented 24-year old inventor about his latest ground-breaking creation, Polyformer, and discuss how he’s turning disused PET plastic bottles into a valuable resource, transforming them into something functional, beautiful, and, above all, sustainable.
Reiten Cheng is not just an industrial designer. He’s an explorer of physical experiences, and through rapid prototyping, thorough user testing, and his meticulous approach, he unearths opportunities to enhance the way we interact with tangible products. “I think being an inventor, being someone to create something is incredibly challenging because you are coming up with the challenge of being unsure of what you are creating can be successful,” he says, highlighting some of the challenges he faced in bringing his creation to life.
His innovative creation and his championing of sustainable plastic use has earned him nominations for some prestigious design competitions including PET Heroes 2024.
Turning a Personal Challenge into an Opportunity for Others
Having had the unique experience of navigating the world through the lens of autism and ADHD, Cheng has faced challenges that only intensified his resolve.
“As someone on the autism spectrum, I’ve encountered significant challenges in pursuing paths that align with my personal logic,” he says. But instead of letting these challenges deter him, they became the very foundation upon which he built his approach to design and engineering.
This passionate inventor wanted more than to just make things look good; he wanted to bridge the gap between aesthetics and practicality. Reiten’s journey took him to ArtCenter’s capstone project, where he was finally able to let his passions for design, engineering, 3D printing, and open-source projects culminate into a master creation.
It was a unique intersection of disciplines, where design met functionality, and where aesthetics didn’t compromise utility. “During my capstone project at ArtCenter, I was granted the freedom to explore my passions,” Cheng says.
The result? An invention that converts PET bottles into the abundant feedstock of more nested systems. It isn’t just any device. It’s an embodiment of Reiten’s vision, philosophy, and years of hard work. His creation aims to transform plastic waste into functional and aesthetic products, providing an innovative solution to the planet’s plastic problem and unleash decentralized creativity around the world.
Reiten shared on the adaPETation® podcast: “We have something, a machine that turns plastic bottles into material. We have the material and 3D printer. Now the question becomes, what do we print?”
A Testimony to Dedication
For many, the complex issue of plastic waste seems insurmountable, but through the eyes of Cheng, it’s an opportunity to herald in systems change. With Polyformer, he not only envisions a sustainable method of repurposing plastic but believes in engaging communities, making the technology open source, and enhancing the overall user experience of the printing process.
“I think we’re really… I see a commonality of things that drive us forward to pull this off is really the passion and the love for exploring something that has never been explored before,” he says. These aren’t just words; they’re backed by action. His creation, Polyformer, is a testament to his dedication, and with the launch of his catalog ‘Untitled Artefacts,’ he’s paving the way for others to be a part of the solution too. He’s hiring new creators to join his movement.
At its core, Polyformer reflects the quintessential spirit of an inventor: boundless curiosity, a penchant for exploration, and an undying drive to create.
Cheng’s journey was replete with uncertainties. “I had no idea if people are going to really use it…It’s so difficult, and it’s so unsure if it’s actually going to work.” Yet, what kept Cheng marching forward was not the promise of success but a fervent passion, “what really matters for personal reasons is the passion and the love for exploring something that has never been explored before.”
Indeed, the path less trod often yields the most unexpected and game-changing results. By using Polyformer to convert plastic bottles into usable material for 3D printing, Cheng not only offers a solution to plastic waste but a glimpse into the untapped potential of plastics.
Design That Adopts A Holistic Approach
The essence of Polyformer is its holistic approach. It doesn’t stop at transforming plastic bottles. Anticipating the question, “what do we print?”, Cheng introduces us to his digital design catalog, Untitled Artefacts. He explains: ”I was thinking about creating a catalog of downloadable digital 3D product design…to produce some designs that are outstanding, using FDM technology that can be potentially better than the products that you buy off the market.”
Currently, this catalog might be modest, but it showcases the promise of what’s to come. A world where discarded plastics are the bedrock of innovative products.
Cheng’s endeavor isn’t just about addressing plastic waste. It’s about reconceptualizing the narrative around plastics. It’s a call to action for inventors, thinkers, and everyday consumers to reimagine plastic’s role in our lives. In Cheng’s words:
”It’s important to sort of advocate and sell your Product… you need to advertise yourself, advertise your project.”
We must recognize that plastic, for all its challenges, has a crucial role in shaping a sustainable future. It’s malleable, durable, and ubiquitous. With visionaries like Cheng driving the change, we can pivot from viewing plastic as a problem to leveraging it as a solution.
But innovation thrives on collaboration and support. Cheng’s Polyformer project is open-source, a testament to the spirit of community and shared growth. He remarks: “when I worked with auto manufacturers who sell the kit, I didn’t even want it, I didn’t even ask for commission… I’m just kind of doing this out of, as a hobby in a sense.”
Cheng’s humility underscores a larger message: the promise of a sustainable future isn’t locked behind profit motives. It thrives in the shared realm of innovation, curiosity, and a collective will to bring about change.
As we navigate this plastic-infused epoch, Cheng’s insights serve as a beacon, pointing us toward a future where plastic isn’t the antagonist but a protagonist in our sustainability narrative.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The future of plastics is being redefined, and you can be a part of it. Listen to the full podcast with Reiten Cheng to delve deep into the world of Polyformer and the promise it holds. Your support can usher in a new era where plastic, once the problem, becomes an integral part of the solution. Support Polyformer in its mission.
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THE HISTORY OF PLASTIC
Throughout the history of plastic, PET has been crucial in keeping food fresh with lightweight and durable packaging solutions that have helped reduce food waste for almost a century. Learn all about the invention of plastic and the important role it has played feeding people and saving the lives of humans and elephants in the adaPETation® timeline of the history of plastic.
