In Thailand, about 1 million dialysis bags are being thrown away each month, while this remarkably strong material is even more resistant than cowhide.
Crafting Process :
- Discarded Dialysis Bags : Used dialysis bags that contained medical solution are purchased directly from home-treated patients. This prevents them from becoming household waste, ensures a steady supply of recyclable material, and provides a valuable source of income for the patients.
- Medical Cleaning : The collected dialysis bags undergo thorough cleaning to meet strict health and safety standards, preparing them for transformation into new, durable products. This is done by the patients themselves.
- Bags Sorting : After cleaning, the dialysis bags are sorted by quality and material type to ensure that only the most suitable bags are selected for the lamination process. This step is done by a community of trained elderly women from a Bangkok slum, providing them with a valuable source of income and the opportunity to gather regularly, fostering social connections within the community.
- Bags Lamination : The sorted bags undergo lamination, where several layers of the material are bonded together to enhance strength, flexibility, and durability. This process is also carried out by the elderly women, transforming the dialysis bags into a sturdy material, stronger than cow leather, ideal for crafting.
- Cutting & Sewing : All bags and accessories are designed by Pop, who oversees the creation process. Pop personally handles the most complex items, ensuring meticulous craftsmanship, while the simpler products are crafted by a few independent workers he has trained. Together, they cut and sew the dialysis bags into high-quality finished products.