Plastc Lab

About

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.

Key activities

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

http://www.plastclab.com/catalogue

Instagram

Key impacts

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

Critical resources for success

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)

Lessons for peers

Recommended first steps for adopters

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

Further information

Disclaimer

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.