Nigerian Startup, Pearl Recycling is Turning Waste Into Affordable Furniture

An inspiring piece from Konbini, on Olamide Babajide, founder of Pearl Recycling, who is taking on the challenge of upcycling solid waste products into useful furniture and decor items. She’s also a Tony Elumelu Foundation Fellow and winner, WIMBIZ Impact investment competition.

Launched in 2014, Pearl Recycling is a social-oriented organization that takes solid waste products – like tyres, bottles, newspapers and plastic cutlery – and transforms them into home and office furniture (much like this DIY project). The organization also employs young Nigerians to gather these waste products; simultaneously helping to curb unemployment and clean up the city. About what inspired her to create Pearl Recycling, Olamide said on her website:

“The air we breathe is becoming more toxic and flooding is becoming incessant. And government policies are not working. So, we found a way out. We understand that it’s better to preach sustainability from the angle of empowerment – and that is exactly what we do at Pearl Recycling.”

You can learn more about Pearl Recycling on their website. and view some of their media features here.

An ottoman made of recycled tyres and a mirror made of recycled spoonsA closer look at the mirror made of recycled spoonsA cushioned tyre ottoman
A cushion made of a recycled tyre Flower vases made of recycled wine bottles Furniture made from recycled tyres and other items
Subscribe
Subscribe to stay updated on featured projects, design news and insights across Africa.

I have read and agree to the privacy policy

THE DESIGN LIST