Eleonora Ortolani
Elenora Ortolani is an innovator from the United Kingdom pushing creative boundaries through material experimentation and proposes a groundbreaking approach to eradicating plastic waste by consuming it through her vanilla ice cream made from PET plastic. Using digestion enzymes and bacteria engineering, she collaborates with scientists and food experts to shift public perceptions of future food possibilities in the wake of climate change. Her work tackles pressing environmental issues and opens the door to new opportunities for sustainable consumption, making food a vehicle for positive environmental change.
We produce about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Global production of plastic is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050 (UNDP).
Eleonora is reshaping our relationship with plastic waste through the Creatives For Our Future programme. She’s not just serving up vanilla ice cream; she’s serving up a groundbreaking solution to one of our planet’s biggest challenges.
Using her expertise in material experimentation and collaborating with scientists and food experts, Eleonora is shifting public perceptions of future food possibilities. She’s exploring the intersection of plastic waste and global food security, asking: Can we turn a problem into a solution?
Imagine a world where human-made materials seamlessly integrate into our ecosystem, where plastic waste becomes a resource for the future.
The programme was an incredible journey, both professionally and personally. It allowed me to grow immensely, providing the time and resources to explore my creative path and future career direction. I built amazing connections and gained valuable knowledge that continues to influence my daily life. The masterclasses and the mentorship, in particular, offered profound insights and inspiration.
Eleonora Ortolani
