We Still Have Time: The Story Behind Our Recycled Plastic Clocks

At Banish, we’re big believers in second chances for people, for ideas, and especially for waste. Our latest product, the “We Still Have Time” recycled plastic clock, is the result of that thinking in action. It’s been a long time in the making (quite literally), and we’re so excited to finally share the process behind this project.

From Bottle Tops to Timepieces

The idea for the clocks came to life in our recycling hub at Central Station, where we’ve spent the last few years transforming hard-to-recycle household items — like bottle tops — into useful products. Through our BRAD (Banish Recycling and Diversion) program, thousands of Australians have helped us collect, sort and repurpose tonnes of plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

But while creating products like refillable pens and carabiners, we noticed a problem: what happens to the scraps left behind from these recycled products? Offcuts, broken bits, test pieces and production failures began to build up and as a business built on sustainability, we knew we had to find a better solution.

So we challenged ourselves: how can we turn even these waste materials into something not only useful, but beautiful?

The Design Challenge

Designing with waste is rarely straightforward. Recycled plastic behaves differently than virgin materials — it melts unevenly, holds onto air bubbles, and no two sheets look exactly the same. Add to that the fact that we were using offcuts (essentially the “waste of the waste”), and we had our work cut out for us.

We started experimenting with pressing the scraps into new sheets. It took dozens of trials to get it right, playing with heat, pressure, thickness, and colour combinations. Once we landed on a strong and visually stunning result, we asked ourselves: what could we turn this into that felt timeless and functional?

The answer? A clock.

Why a Clock?

Time is one of the most precious resources we have — and when it comes to climate change, the clock is ticking. We wanted to create a product that served as a daily reminder of the urgency we face, but also the opportunity we still have to change.

The name “We Still Have Time” was born from this idea — a gentle but firm nudge that sustainable action doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can start small, right now, right here, with something as simple as a recycled bottle top.

Crafting Each Piece

Each clock is:

- Handmade in Australia from approximately 250 bottle top lids

- Pressed into a one-of-a-kind marbled sheet using offcuts from our other recycled plastic products

- Fitted with custom notch markers and clock hands — also made from recycled plastic

- Finished with a Quartz mechanism for timeless function

Because no two off-cuts are the same, every clock is completely unique. You’ll never find two that look alike which we think makes them even more special.

We’ve named the six clocks in our first release after famous artists as a tribute to creativity, circular thinking, and the idea that art (and design) can come from anywhere.

The Bigger Picture

These clocks aren’t just products — they’re part of a much bigger system.

By purchasing a clock, you’re directly supporting the BRAD recycling program and helping to fund future educational workshops, school initiatives and community events across Australia. Every piece tells a story of collective impact of volunteers sorting lids, of households posting their recycling, of someone choosing to support a circular economy.

Each coloured fragment in the clock represents someone who cared enough to do something. And together, these actions add up.

A Symbol of Hope

The “We Still Have Time” clocks are proof that sustainability and style don’t have to be separate. It’s a reminder that waste can be a resource, that education can spark change, and that even the smallest action like recycling a bottle top, can have a lasting impact.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us. We can’t wait to see these clocks hanging in your homes, offices, and classrooms — quietly ticking away, reminding us all that we still have time.

Shop the limited-edition clock collection here →
Or learn more about our BRAD recycling program here →