Making a Difference: Upcycled lanyards

Your conference lanyard could make a difference.

For a recent conference, twenty three unwanted, unusuable University t-shirts were braided into 200 lanyards. This has saved ~161kg of carbon from going to landfill (Carbonfact, 2025) and removed the need to buy new lanyards. Traditional lanyards are often made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, which are derived from petroleum. These materials are not biodegradable and contribute to plastic waste. We tend to buy new lanyards for each conference; we wear them once, throw them away (or add them to the collection hanging off the filing cabinet, THEN throw them away!). Our lanyards are reusable - so please don’t take them home. They can be washed. You are welcome to borrow them for your own conference, or workshop, free of charge, just message Jen (jennifer.obrien@manchester.ac.uk). Some notice is appreciated.

161kg of carbon is about the equivilant of driving 20 miles. It isn’t huge but it is a notable saving, especially when you consider that the lanyards can be reused again and again. They are also an excellent conversation starter.

Many thanks the the most wonderful Libby Allen who had this brainwave and to the many lovely people who have braided. Small actions do add up.

Our Guide for More Sustainable Giveaways has some great suggestions to reduce unnecessary carbon- we were very proud to contribute to this research through our upcycling. #notimetowaste.

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

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.

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!

Would you like to make your own upcycled creations?

Amy Lin, one of our amazing student team, has created a set of patterns that you can download to make your own items. We have all the resources that you can borrow if you need them - including a sewing machine and the material. Click on the links to access the patterns. Message Jen (jennifer.obrien@manchester.ac.uk) if you need them in a different format.

Lanyards Drawstring bags Eco tinsel/ragged bunting