From Plastic Waste to Print Matrix: Transformation of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic as a Sustainable Medium in Contemporary Intaglio Printmaking
Daripada Sisa Plastik Kepada Matriks Cetakan: Transformasi Plastik High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Sebagai Medium Lestari Dalam Seni Cetakan Benam Kontemporari
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i2.964Keywords:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Sustainable Printmaking, Intaglio Printmaking, Alternative Matrix, Recycled MaterialsAbstract
This study evaluates the capability of recycled material based on High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as an alternative matrix that supports a sustainable approach to the production of contemporary intaglio printmaking artworks. Conventionally, intaglio printmaking techniques utilise metal plates such as zinc and copper, which involve relatively high costs, the use of hazardous chemicals, and the need for well-equipped workshop facilities and specialised equipment. In response to growing awareness of environmental pollution and plastic waste management issues, this study investigates the effectiveness of waste plastic materials as an alternative matrix for printmaking. HDPE materials obtained from domestic waste, particularly used detergent bottles, were processed through a studio-based experimental approach involving engraving, ink application, and printing processes. The study focuses on the physical properties, functional capabilities, and effectiveness of HDPE as a matrix in the production of intaglio prints. The findings indicate that used HDPE detergent bottles demonstrate considerable potential as an alternative matrix due to their lightweight characteristics and ease of engraving, while also producing print effects of a quality comparable to those achieved through conventional printmaking methods. The use of HDPE as an alternative matrix further demonstrates potential in diversifying material options for intaglio printmaking, particularly in terms of accessibility, ease of handling, and suitability for the printing process. Furthermore, the utilisation of recycled HDPE supports sustainable art practices through the reuse of waste materials, thereby contributing to greater awareness of social and environmental responsibility in the production of contemporary artworks.
Keywords: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Sustainable Printmaking, Intaglio Printmaking, Alternative Matrix, Recycled Materials
ABSTRAK
Penyelidikan ini menilai keupayaan bahan kitar semula berasaskan High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sebagai matriks alternatif yang menyokong pendekatan kelestarian dalam
penghasilan karya seni cetakan benam masa kini. Secara konvensional, teknik cetakan benam menggunakan plat logam seperti zink dan tembaga yang melibatkan kos tinggi, penggunaan bahan kimia berbahaya serta memerlukan kemudahan dan kelengkapan peralatan bengkel yang lengkap. Seiring dengan peningkatan kesedaran terhadap isu pencemaran alam sekitar dan pengurusan sisa plastic, kajian ini menjalankan penyelidikan terhadap keberkesanan bahan sisa plastik untuk dijadikan sebagai matriks seni cetakan. Bahan HDPE yang diperoleh daripada sisa domestik seperti botol pencuci telah diproses melalui kaedah eksperimen studio yang melibatkan teknik menguris, sapuan dakwat dan proses cetakan. Kajian ini memberi penekanan kepada sifat fizikal, keupayaan fungsi dan keberkesanan HDPE sebagai matriks dalam penghasilan cetakan benam. Hasil dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa bekas pencuci HDPE mempunyai potensi tinggi sebagai matriks alternatif kerana sifatnya yang ringan dan mudah diguris serta mampu menghasilkan kesan cetakan yang berkualiti setanding dengan kaedah cetakan konvensional. Penggunaan HDPE sebagai matriks alternatif menunjukkan potensi yang baik dalam mempelbagaikan pilihan bahan untuk penghasilan cetakan benam khususnya dari aspek kebolehdapatan, kemudahan pengendalian dan kesesuaian penggunaannya dalam proses pencetakan. Selain itu, penggunaan HDPE terpakai turut menyokong pendekatan seni lestari melalui usaha guna semula bahan buangan, sekali gus meningkatkan kesedaran terhadap tanggungjawab sosial dan alam sekitar dalam penghasilan karya seni kontemporari.
Kata Kunci: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Seni Cetakan Lestari, Seni Cetakan Benam, Matriks Alternatif, Bahan Kitar Semula
References
Adi, S. P., & Saat, M. K. (2024). Cetak Dalam Di Indonesia Dan Malaysia. ideas publishing.
Arshad, M. F. (2023). Kronologi Perkembangan Cetakan Kepada seni Cetak Konvensional. In Chetakan Perak – Sejarah, Budaya dan Sosial (pp. 14-18). UiTM Perak.
Arshad, M. F., Saat, M. K., & Desa , N. E. (2022). Idealogi Era Pluralis Dalam Penghasilan Karya Seni Cetakan: Pameran Cetakan Alternatif Ketumbukan 2010. KUPAS SENI, 10(2), 57-67.
Dewey, J. (2005). Art as Experience. United State: Penguin Publishing Group.
Hassan, O. M., & Hamed, A. K. M. (2024). Promoting the concept of sustainability in artistic printmaking amidst contemporary artistic transformations. Arts and Architecture Journal, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.21608/aaj.2024.324320.1074
Isa, J. I. (2021). Malaysian Printmaking: A Brief History (1930s – 1990s). Retrieved from Malaysian Printmaking:: https://www.malaysianprintmaking.com/post/malaysian-printmaking-a-brief-history-1930s-1990s
Merriam Webster. (n.d.). Intaglio. Retrieved Jun, 2026, from Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intaglio
Muhamad, N. A., Ramli, I., Tahir, A., Desa, N. E., Mohd Aripin, N. A. N., & Arshad, M. F. (2022). Drypoint Printmaking: Alternative Material and Technique for Open and Distance Learning (ODL). International Journal of Art and Design, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/ijad.v6i1.1345
Muhamad, N. A., Tahir, A., & Desa, N. E. (2021). Art Appreciation: The Expression of Etching in Printmaking through Mohd Fawazzie Arshad’s Artwork. Idealogy Journal, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v6i1.252
Razali, R., W. Mohd Apandi, W. N., & Masanat, F. E. (2025). PERTANDINGAN ARCA KITAR SEMULA “3D ARTS” SEBAGAI MEDIA PERANTARAAN MEMUPUK SEMANGAT CINTAKAN ALAM SEKITAR. Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/myse.v12i1.5685
Recycling Today. (n.d.). High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Its Advantages. Retrieved Mei, 2026, from Eco Recyling Today: https://www.recyclingtoday.org/pages/contact
Stewart, I., Batlouni, B., & Roz, W. (2024). General History and Evolution of Printmaking. Retrieved from Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation: https://dafbeirut.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/ARTICLE-General-History-and-Evolution-of-Printmaking-.pdf
Stijnman, A. (2012). Engraving and Etching 1400–2000: A History of the Development of Manual Intaglio Printmaking Processes. Retrieved from https://archetype.co.uk/our-titles/engraving-and-etching-1400-2000/?id=166
Tahajuddin, S., Mohd Kassim, A. W., Justine, J., & Ibrahim, I. S. (2021). Cabaran dalam Proses Kutipan Data Kaedah Kualitatif Ketika Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) dan Pandemik Covid-19. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), 6(9). https://doi.org/10.47405/mjssh.v6i9.1034
Wan Mohd Apandi, W. N., Razali, R., Masanat, F. E., & Ramli, I. (2025). Environmental Influence on Sustaining Recycled Materials in the Creative Works of Nor Tijan Firdaus in Contemporary Malaysian Art. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(SI36). https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10isi36.7598
Zainuddin, M. Z. (1 Disember, 2025). 39,000 tan sisa pepejal perlu diurus sehari, ekonomi kitaran cetus perubahan. Retrieved May, 2026, from Berita Harian Online: https://www.bharian.com.my/bisnes/lain-lain/2025/12/1479177/39000-tan-sisa-pepejal-perlu-diurus-sehari-ekonomi-kitaran-cetus
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 UiTM Press
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
UiTM Press (the Publisher) has agreed to publish the undersigned author’s paper in Idealogy Journal. The agreement is contingent upon the fulfilment of a number of requirements listed below.
1. The undersigned author warrants that the paper entitled below is original, that it is not in any way libellous or unlawful in Malaysia, that it does not infringe any copyright or other proprietary right. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that he/she is the author of the paper, except for material that is clearly identified as to its original source, with permission notices from the copyright owners where required. The undersigned represents that he/she has the power and authority to sign and execute this agreement.
2. The undersigned author warrants that the paper entitled below has not been published elsewhere, and also it will not be submitted anywhere else for publication prior to acceptance/rejection by this Journal.
3. By submitting the paper entitled below, the undersigned author agrees to transfer the rights to publish and distribute the paper in an international e-journal (entitled above) to Publisher.
4. The undersigned author agrees to make a reasonable effort to conform to Publisher's submission guidelines and to liaise with the editor to ensure that the requirements of these guidelines are met to a reasonable degree.
5. The corresponding author signs for and accepts responsibility for releasing this material on behalf of any and all coauthors. This agreement is to be signed by at least one of the authors who has obtained the assent of the co-author(s) where applicable. After submission of this agreement signed by the corresponding author, changes of authorship or in the order of the authors listed will not be accepted.
