What’s the Science Behind These Flowers?

This flower forming works because of the characteristics of the plastic in the cups & plates. The heat of the oven changes the alignment of the polymer chains within the plastic. In the cup and plate manufacturing process, a polymer resin is heated, extruded, rolled into flat sheets and then molded. This process aligns the polymers into an orderly pattern, but the heat of the oven returns them to their naturally disordered, clumped state.

Gravity and the placement of the cuts define how they crumple. #6 plastic works well in this project because its melting point is low enough for the oven to reach. Want to learn more about polymers? Try some edible ones with these Homemade Fruit Gummies.

Recycled Plastic Flowers Supplies Needed

• Clear plastic plates, cups, bowls, shot glasses, etc. – look for recycling number 6

• Sharpies

• Cloth covered stem wire, 18 gauge {affiliate}

• Glue gun

• Scissors

• Terracotta pots, floral foam, vases for display (optional)