Our Story
Founders Samantha Panger and Destin Douglas met while making movies in New York City. When we moved to Austin we wanted to make a change.
In April of 2020 we participated in the City of Austin’s [RE]Verse Pitch, an annual circular economy competition which seeks to pair the waste streams of local businesses with recycling entrepreneurs. After researching the environmental impact of diverting pvc flashing, creating a viable business plan, and thermoforming a proof of concept, we were awarded a grant to start our small business! LoFi Recycling Studio was formed with the goal of using plastic waste from Gold Rush Vinyl to make recycled pots and planters.
Our proof of concept is pictured below. We used HDPE plastic from old milk and shampoo bottles, two mixing bowls, and a grill to create this small pot for our [Re]Verse Pitch Presentation.
We were inspired by Precious Plastic.
While thermoforming PVC was our initial goal it became clear that is not something you can do in your residential garage. We have revised our manufacturing process and can now capture not only PVC but old paint and make-up as well! The more materials we can help recycle the better! As we grow we would like to try thermoforming again but maybe stick to our shampoo and milk bottles.