Each lanyard was created through Re.Bag.Re.Use, where plastic waste is carefully cleaned, cut and transformed into durable strips, before being crocheted into functional items. In this case, conference lanyards.

Jo Brophy Head of Africa, PRCA, says, "We were absolutely delighted to partner with Re.Bag.Re.Use for this year's PRCA South Africa Conference. The lanyards brought a wonderful splash of colour and conversation to the event, serving as a constant reminder of the impact of sustainable innovation. It was a privilege to showcase such meaningful craftsmanship."

Joana Mnisi, the lead crocheter on the project, helped bring the lanyards to life, turning what would have been waste into something practical, visible and meaningful, says the NGO.

What stood out most was not only the product, but the positive response to these colourful lanyards.

On Global Recycling Day (Wednesday, 18 March), it is a timely reminder that even something as humble as a bread bag can be transformed into something practical and visually striking.

It is encouraging to see platforms like PRCA creating space for more responsible, thoughtful choices around events and materials. Small decisions, when made collectively, can shift behaviour and perception, adds the NGO.

The initiative also includes what Re.Bag.Re.Use refers to as the Lanyard Loop. Delegates who do not wish to keep their lanyards can return them at a designated collection point. Each lanyard is then sanitised and prepared for reuse at future events, helping to keep materials in circulation and reduce waste.

Re.Bag.Re.Use is built on a simple idea, making something meaningful out of what would otherwise be discarded. Each bread bag contributes to additional income for the women who prepare and crochet the material, reduces environmental impact and supports more responsible consumption, concludes the NGO.

For more information, visit www.rebagreuse.com. You can also follow Re.Bag.Re.Use on Facebook, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor