Edens Upcycled Pouch by MINDS

Snack packaging turned into day-to-day utility bags by MINDS

Discarding excess packaging for snacks is wasteful so Edens decided to give them a second life

When we decided to downsize our packaging from 100G to 75G in December 2020, there were about 1,000 excess unused packaging. Since we were engaging MINDS Woodlands Employment Development Centre for packing and fulfilment services, there was an opportunity to collaborate for giving second life to the packaging.

We decided to conduct an upcycle workshop for the beneficiaries of MINDS to teach them basic sewing techniques and how to convert clean and used plastic packaging into usable day to day utility bags.

“Conducting the workshop for MINDs was a fulfilling exploration into what we take for granted in communication. What really transpired was the essence of human connection! Great fun!” - Catherine Low, Undergraduate Arts Management from LASALLE

The workshop was conducted by Catherine Low, an undergraduate in Arts Management from LASALLE College of the Arts. With her experience in fashion and merchandising back in Temasek Polytechnic, she was able to guide the beneficiaries on how to operate a sewing machine, basic fabric cutting and the concept of a DIY pouch.

Catherine says, “I appreciate that they (Edens) see gaps in the industry and try to fill it meaningfully. Conducting the workshop for MINDs was a fulfilling exploration into what we take for granted in communication. What really transpired was the essence of human connection! Great fun!”

Upskilling beneficiaries with intellectual disabilities helps them increase their work and life experience, essentially creating more opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations

By the end of the workshop, most students managed to produce their own upcycle pouches. These pouches are usable to fit your day-to-day belongings such as computer chargers, make up accessories, sanitary products and more. These beneficiaries do not just take home the tangible pouches but also the intangible soft skills of sewing and how to operate a sewing machine.

The saying goes by ‘Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’. These pouches are retailing in our online store from SGD9.90 each and all proceeds go to MINDS Woodlands Employment Development Centre.

15% OFF storewide with <MINDS15> and all proceeds from sale of Upcycled Pouch goes to MINDS 

We are also offering 15% off storewide with promo code: MINDS15 from 27 April to 1 May. So make your purchase, every dollar you spend with us goes beyond just the bag of snacks!