Haywards Heath students turn crisp packets into blankets for homeless people

The A-level students at Haywards Heath College have been busy recycling crisp packets by fusing them together and making a range of survival blankets for homeless people.

The project came about during their research into using recycled plastics and materials, exploring the theme of ‘waste’ for their studies.

Collectively, the students have been bringing in bags full of crisp packets collected from friends and family. They are working as a team to wash the packets and prepare them, before starting work on creating the blankets at a time when the homeless community need them most.

Justine Marsden, one of the teachers at the college, said: “As part of their course, my students have been exploring techniques and processes for fusing plastics and other materials and we have been researching artists who use these techniques.

“In supporting my students, I came across the ‘Crisp Packet Project’ and was inspired to find out more.

“Pen Huston, who founded the project, gave a demonstration to our students this week via Zoom and we’ve just got to work on the blankets.

“Each blanket uses around 150 crisp packets, fused together through ironing, meaning this project will also help to reduce waste.

“Research shows that a crisp packet can take around 80 years to decompose.

“The students have really embraced this project.

“It has been really inspiring and I’m hoping that in the future — when Covid-19 restrictions change — we can get the whole college community involved.”

Justine and the students will be continuing the project in the new year.

They will also be looking to work with a homeless charity to ensure the blankets are distributed to those who need them most.

To find out more about Haywards Heath College, which is part of Chichester College Group, and its work, visit www.haywardsheath.ac.uk/