The Re:Project – Turning Waste into Opportunity

Since 2019, The Re:Project has been transforming donated fabrics—such as settee covers and other furnishing materials—from large retailers and companies into repurposed products. By preventing these materials from going to landfill, we have not only reduced waste but also generated income, created job opportunities, and provided vital support to individuals and organisations in need.

Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, UnLtd, and Birmingham City Council, and supported by generous donations from Palmers UK, Lush, Care By Jords, P.O.D.S. (Protect Our Daughters and Sons), In Kind Direct, FLO, Treasure Tress, and other valued partners, The Re:Project has been a driving force for positive change.

Our goal was to showcase how recycled furnishing fabrics could be repurposed into sellable products while creating opportunities for those facing challenges. We worked with two key groups:

• Young offenders, providing them with a creative outlet to support rehabilitation, prevent reoffending, and build valuable skills for the future.

• Survivors of domestic violence, supporting women in a local refuge (W.A.I.T.S.) by providing creative opportunities and essential donations.

A unique aspect of this project was the way these two groups were able to support each other. With the generous backing of our partners, we were able to supply toiletries, haircare products and essential items to W.A.I.T.S. and other organisations supporting families in need.

To ensure the project’s sustainability, we created a range of branded products for resale, including bags and toiletry bags. Every purchase directly funds our continued work with young people and women, ensuring that creativity, sustainability, and community support remain at the heart of everything we do.