It started as a student experiment in a pizza oven — today, Plastic guys are making waves on the global market. Three architecture graduates from Brno University of Technology's Faculty of Civil Engineering have opened their own production facility in Kuřim, home to the largest recycling line of its kind in the world. Their story shows just how far an idea born during your studies can take you.

A New Hall, A New Chapter

On Thursday, April 23, the industrial site in Kuřim welcomed more than a hundred guests for the official opening of the new production hall. But this was far more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. It was a clear sign that a student project can evolve into a globally successful start-up.

The centrepiece of the new facility is a one-of-a-kind recycling line capable of producing large-format sheets from plastic waste on an unprecedented scale. These new "giga" formats open up entirely new possibilities for architects and designers — from interiors to public spaces. Plastic guys are pushing the boundaries of recyclable building materials, which represent the future of sustainable construction. Manufacturing a single sheet from recycled plastic can save tens of kilograms of CO₂ emissions.

It Started with a Pizza oven in a Garage

The story began when architecture students Marco Aulisa, Štěpán Macek and Ondřej Venclík from FCE BUT started experimenting with ways to give plastic waste a second life. Their first material prototypes were created in improvised conditions — including a pizza oven.

A major breakthrough came in 2019 with the creation of Plastic Crystal, a forest shelter built directly on the campus of the Faculty of Civil Engineering. Combining wood and recycled plastic, it offers a functional overnight shelter in nature while addressing the growing problem of plastic waste.

Another standout project was the CheeZ relaxation room in Building Z, featuring an illuminated wall made from recycled materials collected directly at the faculty. Both projects caught the attention of the public and professionals alike, opening the door to new opportunities.

From Brno to the World of Design

What began as a student initiative officially became a start-up in 2020. Today, Plastic guys collaborate with architects, designers and major brands including Adidas, mmcité and Ambiente. They transform plastic waste into designer panels and functional elements used in furniture, architecture and public spaces.

And they're clearly on a roll: the team has earned recognition in both Czech and international design competitions, winning awards such as Czech Interior Award 2025 and Czech Grand Design, while also succeeding in the Trail by VINCI Construction competition. Ondřej and Marco have recently launched their own design brand, Off-space.

Today, material developed in Brno has appeared at international trade fairs and is part of more than a hundred projects across Europe.

FCE VUT: Where Big Stories Begin

The story of Plastic guys is proof that a student project can grow into a successful international start-up. Join FCE BUT team and start building your own future!