Plastics by Manila Automat, based in Pasay City, Metro Manila, is a creative upcycling studio and sustainable design brand transforming post-consumer plastic waste into artful and functional objects. Co-founded and led by Mica Agregado, the company combines industrial design, environmental advocacy, and circular economy principles to address the plastic waste crisis through tangible product solutions.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Plastics by Manila Automat operates at the intersection of sustainability and design. Its core offerings include:
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Upcycled Accessories:
- Hair Clips, Earrings, Rings, Keychains — hand-crafted items made from repurposed plastics with unique textures and vibrant patterns.
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Homeware & Furniture:
- Bowls, Clocks, Planters, Chairs — each item is created through molding or extrusion of recycled plastic, turning waste into decorative and functional pieces.
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Custom Design & Collaborative Installations:
- Participates in exhibitions, workshops, and co-branded sustainability initiatives with designers, schools, and advocacy groups.
All products are made using in-house plastic shredders and molding tools inspired by the global Precious Plastic movement, ensuring a low-impact, localized production process.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Plastics by Manila Automat differentiates itself through:
- Locally-sourced Recyclables: Materials are collected from Metro Manila communities, offices, and schools.
- Design-Led Sustainability: Combines aesthetics with function, making sustainability aspirational and accessible.
- Community-Driven Model: Runs educational programs and participatory workshops on plastic waste management and product design.
Its products are not only stylish but serve as conversation starters on the urgency of rethinking waste and materials.
Financial and Operational Strength
While operating as a boutique manufacturer, the brand has achieved significant traction through:
- Multiple pop-up installations in Metro Manila malls and art spaces
- Collaborations with environmental NGOs, artists, and fashion retailers
- High engagement across digital platforms, especially Instagram and Facebook
Operationally, the team manages small-batch production at their Pasay studio and fulfills online and partner store orders, emphasizing handmade quality and sustainability over volume.
Shipment and Market Reach
Products are distributed through:
- Online Platforms and Direct Orders: Via their Instagram, Facebook page, and website.
- Local Concept Stores and Sustainable Boutiques: Select pieces are stocked in design-focused retail spaces.
- Custom and B2B Orders: Collaborations with interior designers, businesses, and public institutions for sustainability-themed decor and merchandise.
Their reach includes Metro Manila and select cities nationwide, with exploratory interest from buyers in Japan, the UK, and Australia.
Target Market
Plastics by Manila Automat targets:
- Eco-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers seeking ethical lifestyle products.
- Design lovers and artists looking for unique, handcrafted objects.
- Businesses and institutions implementing sustainable procurement and decor.
- Educational institutions and NGOs for training and awareness programs.
Their pricing and designs appeal to both the lifestyle and social enterprise sectors.
Certifications and Compliance
As a small enterprise, formal industrial certifications may be pending, but the company upholds:
- Local business registration and health safety permits
- Waste collection partnerships with barangays and LGU-aligned programs
- Transparency in sourcing and upcycling processes, with plans to engage environmental compliance documentation for future scale-up
They also adopt open-source processes aligned with the Precious Plastic framework, promoting decentralized plastic recycling.
Customer Testimonials
Buyers and partners frequently highlight:
- Visually captivating designs and lightweight durability of products.
- Strong storytelling and mission-driven branding that resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
- Craftsmanship and uniqueness, as no two upcycled pieces are exactly alike.
Workshops and media features have further enhanced their reputation as pioneers in creative circular design.
Notable Achievements
- Featured on News5 Everywhere and local design media for their impact-driven craft.
- Ran sustainability exhibits at Greenbelt, Ayala Museum, and design pop-ups.
- Acknowledged as a model for sustainable design entrepreneurship in Metro Manila.
- Continues to scale public engagement via collaborations with artists and climate advocates.
Plastics by Manila Automat is redefining waste as a creative resource, enabling a circular economy in the urban landscape through design, community, and sustainability innovation.
