Plastc Lab
Plastc Lab is a Lebanese social enterprise founded in 2020 by brothers Rami and Ralph Sbeih, together with their friend Ralph Bourji. Motivated by Lebanon’s waste management crisis and inspired by the international Precious Plastic movement, the team set out to demonstrate that plastic waste can be transformed into durable, functional, and aesthetically appealing products.
Headquartered in the Halat region, Kesrouan District, Plastc Lab focuses on high-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2) and polypropylene (PP, #5), two of the most common yet poorly recovered plastics. Their facility functions as both a manufacturing workshop and an innovation hub, where collected plastics are sorted, shredded, extruded, and moulded into raw material sheets, beams, bricks, and customised products. These materials are then used to produce outdoor furniture, building materials, decorative items, and other durable goods.
Unlike traditional recycling, Plastc Lab emphasises circular design, turning discarded plastic into long-lasting, valuable resources while reducing reliance on virgin materials. In just a few years, the enterprise has diverted over 80 tonnes of plastic waste from landfills, demonstrating the potential of locally led, community-oriented recycling initiatives.
Beyond production, Plastc Lab raises awareness and shifts public perceptions around recycled plastics. Their collaborations with NGOs, municipalities, designers, and businesses showcase the versatility of recycled materials and foster broader acceptance of circular economy practices. Looking ahead, the team plans to expand production capacity, refine product design, and scale their model across the Middle East.
Name of organisation
Plastc Lab
Operation time
2020–present
Location of headquarters
Halat region, Kesrouan District, Lebanon
Scope
National (Lebanon-wide) operations, serving local businesses and environmentally focused institutions
Focus areas
Recycling, behavioural change
Target waste stream(s)
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, #2) and Polypropylene (PP, #5) plastics
Primary funding sources
Seed grants from Makesense and Berytech, additional funding from competitions and institutional support
Target groups
Local NGOs and recyclers; Municipalities; B2B clients: contractors, interior designers, eco-conscious entities
Website
Recycled over 80 tonnes of plastic waste since inception
Produced affordable, durable products from recycled plastic
Shifted perceptions about the value and aesthetics of recycled plastic
People
Founding team with complementary skills (biochemistry, engineering, and strategy)
Technology
Locally fabricated recycling equipment (e.g., shredders, extruders)
Finance
Seed grants and competition awards
Networks
Access via entrepreneurial channels (Makesense, Berytech)
1.Start small — prototype at home or in a shared space
2. Build relationships with local recyclers or informal collectors
3. Secure seed funding through local accelerator programmes
4. Iteratively develop product prototypes and test market demand
This case study is shared for educational purposes and to inspire replication of good practices in Lebanon and beyond. Content is based on publicly available information and may be updated upon request by the project owners.
