Virtual Booth

EcoDormFlex (EDF) is a student-led sustainable surface innovation that transforms recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into functional anti-slip composite mats to improve safety, hygiene, and thermal comfort in school environments. The project addresses three key challenges: increasing PET waste accumulation due to the lack of systematic recycling, safety risks from wet and slippery surfaces, and thermal discomfort caused by heat-absorbing floors and vehicle interiors.

The objectives of this project are twofold: (1) to reduce plastic waste by converting recycled PET into value-added composite materials, and (2) to develop and evaluate an anti-slip, thermally comfortable surface suitable for high-risk areas such as dormitories, dining halls, and school vehicles. EcoDormFlex aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting circular material use, enhancing safety, and utilizing low-energy fabrication methods.

The composite material is produced using recycled PET flakes combined with crumb rubber in a layered configuration, bonded through a low-temperature thermo-compression process. The novelty of EcoDormFlex lies in integrating plastic waste management with functional material engineering at school scale, enabling the production of durable, slip-resistant, and thermally efficient surfaces without the need for industrial equipment.

Implementation in selected high-risk zones demonstrated measurable impact, including reduced plastic waste accumulation, improved surface safety, enhanced user comfort, and increased student engagement in sustainability practices. EcoDormFlex provides a scalable and practical model that connects environmental responsibility with real-world safety solutions, demonstrating how student-driven innovation can transform waste into meaningful improvements in everyday school life.