Bin to Beauty turns wrappers into innovative accessories as part of an upcycling movement that also puts food on the table for women in South Africa.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 August 2023) — Kudakwashe Chigariro’s Bin to Beauty doesn’t believe that wrappers should go to waste.
Like many upcycling innovators in South Africa doing their part to make our world less trash-plagued, Kuda believes that the lifespan of wrappers and packets doesn’t end in the bin.
So, in November 2021, Bin to Beauty was born to share the message of second chances for non-recyclables, where the likes of chip packets and cool drink bottle wrappers become satchels, purses and even pencil cases.
But the real heart of Bin to Beauty lies in its sense of community.
For Kuda, what sets the company apart is its vision for upskilling women and empowering them financially through its Upliftment pulse.
“I teach each lady every stage of making the products, right from when the packets come out of the bin, up until they are a complete product. In turn, the ladies then pass their skills on to the next lady that is learning.”
“My vision has always been to empower women, and this product has helped my dream to be realized. I want to empower women so that we can make a change for one another,” Kuda shares.
The products are sturdy, handmade and longlasting; making them even more sustainable.
But packets don’t flow to the business nearly as much as they could when one considers how many packets and wrappers end up stuck in unhelpful bins.
“Believe it or not, we have often run out of packets, but we have some great supporters who spread the word, and help us by collecting,” Kuda shares before thanking Tops &Tags for Wheelchairs and Recycle Drive as well as market supporters and the larger Bin to Beauty community.
While headquarters currently reside in Kuda’s garage, this sustainability legend believes wholeheartedly that the idea will continue to flourish, no matter how long it takes.
On encouraging a greener South Africa, Kuda shares that is is important to know what is recyclable and what isn’t.
“Chip packets are not accepted by recycling companies because of the materials that were used to produce the packets so it just leaves a huge question of where the chip and chocolate packets end up after the waste has been graded.
“Don’t throw it in the bin!” she adds.
So, where can it go? Bin to Beauty, but of course!
Collect your packets and wrappers and get in touch with BTB on social media. Currently, there are outlets in both Joburg and KZN where BTB distributes.
“The sales from the products afford us to pay wages and keep our bellies full, but I want us to get to a stage where every lady who is part of Bin to Beauty is financially free, and has a savings account,” Kuda concludes.
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