m-cd
sheet Materials for circular design
Unapologetically
made from waste
Welcome to the heart of what we do at The Recycle Studio—creating M-CD, a sheet material for design made from 100% recycled plastics. Designed with circularity in mind, our sheets are as versatile as they are sustainable.
At TRS, we take a hands-on approach, offering a wide range of services from selling our materials in their panel form to collaborating on product design and installation.
To help you get an idea of what’s possible with M-CD, we’ve provided some basic information below. When you’re ready to explore our materials further, we’ll connect you directly with one of our team members for a tailored consultation. We’ll dive deeper into your project, suggest the best options, and provide a custom quote. Ready to get started? Get in touch.
M-CD material Collection
100% recycled, 100% recyclable and made with renewable energy, materials designed to make a statement.
M-CD in action
See how designers and architects are using M-CD in project and product design.
Frequently asked questions
New to our materials? What do we mean by circular design? Learn about M-CD’s unique qualities and sustainability benefits.
Specs, Applications + Workability
How to get from sheet material to finished products.
Download Catalogue
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Download Catalogue 〰️
M-CD collection
Designs for a wide range of spaces.
Materials available in panels of 1000 mm x 1000 mm and thicknesses of 0.25”, 0.5”, 0.75” and 1”.
Our Base collection offers staple designs that are consistently available, while the Limited collection features unique runs with rare or seasonal colors, textures, and designs. For availability of materials and to make the most of your project, connect with us before you start.
MEMPHIS
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste.
Limited collection
Dalmata
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste from the food industry.
Base collection
CLORO
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste from the food industry.
Base collection
PAYASA
General purpose polystyrene (GPPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste rescued from a factory fire.
Limited collection
CORY
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste + plastics rescued from a factory fire.
Limited collection
koi oi
High-density polyethylene (HDPE). Made from post-industrial plastic waste from lids for kids juices. Also available in green and red.
Limited collection (currently out of stock in orange)
ELYSIAN
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste.
Limited collection
PALOMA
High-impact polystyrene (HIPS). Made from post-industrial plastic waste.
Base collection
Bespoke
The perfect opportunity to design a unique material, this personalised service takes a minimum of four weeks.
Our creative team will support you to design a bespoke material in which colours, textures and even new sources of plastic can be explored. Although we are subject to the availability of our raw material, we’ll put in our best effort to make your design a reality.
Contact us to find out more about the process.
Download Catalogue
〰️
Download Catalogue 〰️
Specs, Applications + Workability
M-CD Specs
Panel size: 1000 mm x 1000 mm panels
Thickness: Various thicknesses to suit different projects. Available in 0.25”, 0.5”, 0.75”, 1”)
Composition: 100% recycled and recyclable plastics
Surface finish: Matte
Applications
Surface material
Interior design
Furniture design
Product design
Workability
Cuts: M-CD can be cut using standard woodworking tools, including circular saws and CNC machines. It is best to find blades and router pieces that are designed for plastics.
Bonding and joining: HIPS works well with most adhesives, including epoxy and polyurethane. HDPE requires a special glue. Join pieces for longer surfaces using biscuit joints.
Edges: Finish edges with sanding or routing for a clean look.
Drills: Use drill bits for plastics to create precise holes without chipping.
Finishing: Our sheets arrive ready for use, but can be sanded, polished if need be.
Prefer to leave it to us? We can handle custom cuts, joins, and more—just send us a message.
How our clients are using M-CD
FAQs
What is M-CD made of?
M-CD, our signature sheet material, is created from 100% recycled plastic waste, sourced locally. They’re fully recyclable and designed with circularity in mind.
What do you mean by circular design?
The headliners are simple enough. Our materials are made from 100% recycled plastics, 100% recyclable and made using renewable energy. But circularity at The Recycle Studio goes beyond that. Every decision we’ve taken, from machine design to plastic sourcing and the way we run our workshop has been driven by our relentless pursuit to create a business and a product suitable for circular design. Read more here.
How much plastic goes into each sheet?
It depends on the thickness, but it’s anywhere between 8 and 28 kilos of recycled plastic waste. That’s the equivalent of around 2,000 yoghurt pots.
What are your prices per m2?
It depends on the thickness, the material design and the order quantity. Prices start from $155 per m2. Please download our catalogue for latest prices or get in contact for an official quote.
How are your materials different from traditional options?
Our materials combine sustainability with high-end design. They offer the look and feel of premium surfaces but are crafted entirely from recycled plastics, making them eco-friendly and visually striking. We like to say that our materials are proactively decontaminating design.
Can I order custom designs or colors?
Yes, we offer a bespoke service where you can create custom colors, patterns, and even unique textures. Reach out to us to discuss your vision.
What’s the difference between your Base and Limited collections?
Our Base collection offers staple designs that are almost always available, while the Limited collection features unique runs with rare or seasonal colors, textures, and designs.
How sustainable are your materials?
Our materials are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. They’re produced using renewable energy, and our processes are designed to minimize waste, aligning with circular economy principles.
Are your materials suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, many of our materials are weather-resistant and can be used in outdoor applications. Please be aware that sunlight will eventually change the colour of some materials. For specific outdoor requirements, please consult our team.
How thick are your panels?
Our panels come in a range of thicknesses to suit various applications. We typically offer 0.25”, 0.5”, 0.75” and 1” options, but custom thicknesses are available upon request.
Are your materials easy to work with?
Our materials can be cut, drilled, routed, and finished using standard woodworking tools, but if you’re new to working with plastics you’ll need to experiment with new speeds and feeds to prevent heat build up. We can also provide pre-cut or pre-finished sheets to save you time.
Do you offer samples?
Yes, we offer samples of our materials so you can experience their quality and appearance before committing to a larger order.
How long does it take to receive an order?
We always produce to order, so lead times vary depending on the order size, customization level, and current production schedule. We typically estimate 3–6 weeks for standard orders.
Can I use your materials in high-moisture environments like bathrooms?
Yes, our materials are highly resistant to moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms and other high-humidity areas.
Are your materials suitable for food contact surfaces?
While our materials are made from recycled plastics, they are not certified for direct food contact. However, they can be safely used in food-related settings as surfaces or coverings.
Are your materials suitable for kitchen surfaces?
Yes, our materials are suitable for kitchen surfaces. However, please be mindful that they’re made from recycled plastic, so they are not heat-resistant like stone or metal. We recommend using trivets or heat pads to protect the surface from hot cookware.
What is the minimum order quantity?
For standard designs, we have a low minimum order quantity. For bespoke projects, the minimum order depends on the level of customization required.
How do I maintain and clean your materials?
Our materials are low-maintenance. Simply clean them with mild soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners. For deeper cleaning or polish, a non-abrasive household cleaner works best.
Can I recycle the materials at the end of their life?
Yes, our materials are designed to be fully recyclable. If you need help recycling them, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll guide you on the best approach.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. Shipping costs and lead times will vary depending on your location.
How do I request a quote or place an order?
You can request a quote or place an order through our website’s contact form. Prices are updated in our downloadable catalogue. Alternatively, feel free to email us directly or give us a call.
Can you collaborate on custom projects?
We love working with designers and architects on unique projects. Whether it’s a custom material or a full product development, reach out and let’s talk about your ideas.
What happens if I don’t receive a response after submitting an inquiry?
Please check your spam or junk mail folder first. If you still don’t see a reply, don’t hesitate to contact us directly via email or phone.