AWS 2025 Summit making use of Upcycle to create swag

From Banners to Brilliance: How AWS, The Squad, and Upcycle Created 7,600 Upcycled Gifts with Purpose

When Amazon Web Services (AWS), The Squad, and Upcycle came together, their mission was clear: transform last year’s conference banners — 1,800 square metres of polyester fabric — into something meaningful. Not only to reduce waste but to create jobs, develop skills, and uplift a community.

This is the story of that journey — from discarded materials to handcrafted bags, luggage tags, and pencil cases. It is a story of impact, partnership, and hope.

The Problem: Waste and Opportunity Lost

Every year, thousands of corporate events and conferences generate tons of waste. Banners, signage, and promotional materials often have a short shelf life, after which they typically end up in landfill or incinerated. The environmental cost of this is significant.

Left: AWS 2024 Banners been preped for cutting

Last year, AWS faced this challenge. They had over 1,800 m² (19,375 sq ft) of vibrant, durable indoor banners used for their conference. These banners, made from heavy-duty polyester, were slated for disposal — a loss not just of material but of potential value.

Upcycle: Turning Waste into Work

Upcycle is a South African social enterprise committed to sustainability through community upliftment. Our approach is simple but powerful: we convert waste materials into products that create jobs and skills for local makers.

When The Squad reached out on behalf of AWS with the opportunity to repurpose these banners, we immediately recognized the value. Instead of waste, we saw 7,600 opportunities — items to be crafted, sold, and used.

The Making: Crafting Opportunity with Care

The process began with cleaning and preparing the banner fabric. Our team of over 20 skilled artisans — many working from home, others from our community centre — carefully cut, stitched, and finished each item by hand.

Each bag, tag, and pencil case is unique, reflecting the character of the original banner and the care of its maker.

This work is more than sewing; it is a source of income, confidence, and pride. Many of our makers balance family life, personal challenges, and limited resources — and this project offered steady work and a sense of purpose.

Environmental Impact: Tangible Benefits

By diverting this large quantity of fabric from landfill, the project achieved significant environmental savings:

• 1,800 m² (19,375 sq ft) of fabric reused
• 4,050–4,860 kg (8,928–10,713 lbs) of CO₂ equivalent emissions avoided
• Over 30,600 litres (8,085 US gallons) of water saved
• Approximately 450–540 kg (992–1,190 lbs) of polyester fabric diverted from waste streams

These figures translate into real-world impact:
The carbon emissions saved equal driving approximately 15,000 km (9,320 miles) less by a standard car. The water saved is enough to sustain a small family for years.

The Makers: People Behind the Product

The heart of Upcycle’s work is its makers. These are individuals from diverse backgrounds brought together by a shared goal: to make quality products and support their families.

Take Amanda, for example, a mother of three, who joined Upcycle two years ago. For her, this project was not only a source of income but also a confidence boost. She shared, “Working on these bags gave me purpose and pride. Every stitch I make helps my family and the planet.”

Left: image of volunteer learning to sew as part of this project

Stories like hers are why this project matters. Beyond environmental benefits, it fosters social change.

Partnership in Action: AWS, The Squad, and Upcycle

This initiative was a joint effort. AWS provided the material and the vision to embed sustainability in their event footprint. The Squad coordinated the campaign locally, ensuring materials reached Upcycle efficiently.

Upcycle delivered on the production, training, and community engagement. This partnership demonstrates how corporates, NGOs, and social enterprises can collaborate for maximum impact.

Challenges and Learnings

No project is without challenges. Managing such a large volume of fabric required meticulous planning — from logistics to quality control. Our makers had to adapt to working with new materials and scale up production quickly.

Yet, each challenge reinforced the resilience of our community and the strength of partnership. The lessons learned pave the way for even more efficient future projects.

The Bigger Picture: Circular Economy and Social Impact

This project exemplifies circular economy principles — designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating communities.

At Upcycle, we believe true sustainability must combine environmental responsibility with social upliftment. This initiative encapsulates that ethos perfectly.

What’s Next for Upcycle?

Building on this success, Upcycle is expanding its maker network, taking on new waste materials, and exploring further collaborations with companies committed to sustainability.

Our vision is to make circular living accessible and profitable for communities that need it most.

How You Can Help

If you have leftover banner materials, fabric offcuts, or corporate waste streams, consider partnering with Upcycle. Together, we can turn your waste into opportunity.

Visit https://upcycle.co.za/waste/ to learn more.