Aston University brings its easy way to upcycle old banners

Aston University employees have found an innovative way to recycle old marketing banners by turning them into toys and cushions.

When out-of-date pull-up signs were due to be replaced this year a crafty member of staff spotted an opportunity to save them from landfill and raise money for local good causes.

Using their sewing skills, they transformed around 30 banners made of coated fabric into a selection of gifts such as toys, cushions and tablet-holders.

Jane Dunn who works in the University’s international directorate initially thought of the idea and joined forces with colleague Julie Goodwin to put their needle skills to good use.

The finished products are to be sold at a charity craft fair held on the University campus on 16 May.

Vitor Furlong, environment and sustainability manager at Aston University, said: “This is a great example of how our staff make a contribution to the University’s commitment to reducing waste generation.

“We aim to make our campus one of the greenest, with the least environmental impact as possible.

“I am unaware of any other recycling activity like this, that upcycles its banners in such a way which is both environmentally conscious and supports the local community.”

In March the University was recognised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society because the biodiversity of its campus encourages the endangered prickly mammals to thrive on its site.