From wellies to plastic sheets

Smile Plastics has been making sheets from old plastic since 1994. Since initially recycling bottles and high impact polystyrene it's expanded to include all sorts of materials - blue water bottles mixed with crushed CD are one of my faves. It even uses shredded banknotes suspended in plastic and, in 2003, introduced sheets made from mobile phones and wellington boots (pictured). Clever and green-thinking designers have created products from the sheets, including furniture, art works and counter tops. The Body Shop, for example, has counters built from the yoghurt pot sheet complete with silver-effect sparkles from the lids still left in. Young furniture designer Ben Huggins created the flat-packed 'peoples' chair' from colourful recycled bottle sheets, and it's since been bought by the Science Museum.  Having ordered a batch of samples for a £10 (deductable from your first order), I drove my other half crazy thinking of uses around my house. Luckily, Smile has created a product that doesn't require designer's flare - just an eye for colour. Wellington boot flooring is its latest concept. Call for a quote, but the sheets range from £55 up to £300, depending on material and size varies. The very helpful Colin at Smile asks that you contact your local council to recycle your plastic instead of sending it to him, please. [written by Ella]