The Recycled Fidget:
More than a toy…..
The Client:
Brothers Make is a creative workshop and content creation team on the South coast of the UK, led by Matt and Jonny and boasting over half a million subscribers, where sustainability meets innovation. They transform 100% recycled plastic—sourced from local schools and beach cleans—into unique products and experimental projects, sharing their inspiring journey through engaging videos. Whether you're interested in their product range or in collaborating on custom or wholesale orders, Brothers Make is dedicated to bringing your ideas to life sustainably.
Problem:
Brothers Make’s mission is to engage individuals and communities in building a more sustainable, conscious world through a truly circular economy. However, plastic waste remains a persistent challenge especially in products design for short-term use.
On example of this issue is plastic fidget toys - often cheaply made, non-recyclable, and quickly discarded. These products contribute to unnecessary plastic waste while lacking a sustainable alternative.
“A million + fidget toys end up in landfill every year”
(Hall, 2017)
What we did:
This project proposes a line of modular fidget toys where every segment is made from 100% recycled plastic. Schools will be key partners in the process - students can collect used plastic, which are then transformed into new toys.Each toy consists of interlocking segments, making them customisable and endlessly reconfigurable. The design allows for easy repair and recycling - if a piece breaks, it can be replaced without discarding the entire toy.
Prototyping:
Figuring out the joint mechanism through 3d printing iterations to achieve optimal design for injection moulding.
Final Outcome:
Recycled and Recyclable: made from sustainable materials, designed for reuse or recycling.
•Minimalist Design: no unneccessary plastic, reflecting Brothers Make’s no fuss approach.
•Educational Insert: explains the circular process and the school’s role.
This modular fidget toy is both sustainable and cost-effective. At £0.40 per segment and 25-30 segments per mould, production remains efficient. With 18 segments per toy, gives it a competitive pricing of £7.20, making it accessible and commercially viable product with real-world impact.
