While some may think of recycling as throwing sorted waste into blue bins, there are many more creative ways to transform unwanted items. Here are some innovative initiatives by local companies that manage waste in a unique way.
1. Offcut Factory
Photo via Website / offcutfactory.com
This project was born from Allegro Print’s desire to repurpose material waste produced during printing. Offcuts of good quality are transformed into stylish stationery such as planners and to-do lists!
2. Hock Siong
Photo via Website / hocksiong.com.sg
House hunters will love this second-hand furniture shop. Run by a family of former karang guni traders, Hock Siong offers items that feel and look as good as new. Many vintage pieces are one of a kind, so don’t miss out on them!
3. Re:Post
Photo via Website / singpost.com
This creative initiative by SingPost gives new life to postmen uniforms. Old shirts, pants and jackets are upcycled into items such as totes bags and pouches, and each purchase will be fully donated to the South West CDC!
4. Refresh Flowers SG
Photo via Facebook / refreshflowers.sg
Beautiful bouquets at weddings are repurposed and donated by this ground-up initiative. The flowers are not only saved from the bin, but given new meaning as they bring smiles to those in hospice care.
5. A1 Environment
Photo via Website and Facebook / A1Environment.SG
This recycling firm collects used coffee grounds from cafes and hotels around Singapore. The coffee grounds are then donated to community gardens for composting or transformed into wood-like panels, which can be made into furniture by local craftsmen!
6. Angel Hearts
Photo via Website / angelhearts.sg
Started by five sewing enthusiasts, Angel Hearts has since grown into a community of support for grieving families who’ve lost their babies prematurely. Volunteers repurpose donated wedding gowns into “angel gowns” for babies who are then sent off with dignity.
7. Package Pals
Photo via iStock / angelhearts.sg
Eco-friendly shopaholics will find Package Pals a great help! The volunteer-run community collects used polymailers, envelopes and bubble wrap, before distributing them to businesses to be reused.
