Introducing our first mission….Scrap Wrap!

Scrap Wrap started by playing with old fabric cut offs - or scraps- that were stitched into material wrapping paper -or wraps - for the Japanese art of Furoshiki- hence Scrap Wrap.

With some funding from the Faculty of Science and Engineer’s ‘Better Worlds’ initiative, the project has grown. With the incredible talent from our Textiles students we are breathing new life into discarded T-shirts otherwise destined for landfill. Through cutting, knotting, and sewing, these T-shirts are transformed into a variety of useful items such as reusable material wrapping ‘paper’, tote bags, gift bags, hair ties – even pet clothes! This initiative not only promotes sustainability by reducing waste but also fosters creativity and practical skills whilst shaping University approaches to sustainable procurement and opening important sustainability discussions.

We were excited to host a workshop at the Institute of Teaching and Learning conference on Wednesday 25th June, 2024 (far right image) where delegates learn about and participated in this exciting upcycling process.

Check back for updates on our progress and the impact of this project, including the carbon saved. We look forward to sharing the amazing creations from our community.

By Rani Zhang, BSc Fashion Retail and Scrap Wrap project team.

Purple material with small flower embroidery and hemmed edges that is an old t-shirt turned into reusable wrapping material.
Image of a group of people stood behind a table of items made from old purple t-shirts

Scrap Wrap and UoM Sport

We really appreciate the support of UoM Sport. Due to the way Sport used to buy their kit there was a significant amount left over. Some of it was new but had the old supplier logo, some of it was used but no longer needed. With the support of the University we were able to donate the new kit to partners through Team Rwanda and our Equity and Merit scholars. Old kit has been given a new lease of life through bunting that will be used by the University for the Community Festival and sports teams for their fundraising events (offsetting the need to buy new). UoM Sport are really invested in sustainability. We look forward to working with them more in the future.

Scrap Wrap and Dentists!

We love a challenge! And this one came in the shape of 60 dental scrubs. UoM Dentistry have changed the colour of the Undergraduate dental scrubs so these are no longer needed. We worked with Dr. Darragh Downey who suggested we turn the scrubs into small bags which will be used by dental students when they go on outreach. Dental students offer support to communities near and far around dental hygiene and education. The scrubs are being turned into bags which will contain the toothbrushes and toothpaste they give out. Our talented dental students will even decorate them to make them to add a personal touch. We have designed the protype but will need to seek more funding before we can make them at great scale - any ideas welcome!