Shaftesbury launches first visible recycling store on Carnaby
Shaftesbury has teamed up with Are You Mad to launch a visible recycling unit on London’s Carnaby Street.
The space that will act as both a plastic sorting facility and retail store.
Situated at the lower end of Carnaby Street, the Are You Mad shop collects plastic waste from local businesses and shoppers which is then sorted, shredded and turned into new objects, including the build of the shop itself.
The space also has room for a workshop where customers can take their own rubbish, learn about plastic and turn their trash into something creative.
Samantha Bain-Mollison, retail director at Shaftesbury, said: “We’re delighted to announce that Carnaby will be home to the first ever retail destination plastic recycling concept shop, Are You Mad. The conscious creative unit is one of a kind and we can’t wait to see what unique items are produced from all the plastic donated, as well as the future of recycling.”
The store has been collecting plastic items such as broken hangers, milk bottles, bottle caps and food crates, which have now found a second life as creative objects. Items can be created as one-off custom products, including coasters, hair combs, incense holders and fruit bowls. Prices start at 50p and range up to £15,000 with over 100 different products available.
James Suckling, co-founder at Are You Mad, said: “We’re excited to be the first ever plastic recycling retail store in Carnaby. Having a bricks-and-mortar store is our way of making repurposed waste visible to the general public. We hope to change the perception of rubbish by showing the process of turning waste into unique and tangible objects. As a brand we make a difference by creating meaningful employment and circularity through waste and with this project, the amount of plastic sent to landfills.”
Retail brands in Carnaby that are supporting the initiative include The North Face, Annie’s Ibiza, Ganni, Swatch, and G-Shock.
