Lyons and Cronin were both struck by the amount of plastic waste dumped in Arusha’s streets and rivers and decided to do something about it. Their first product – made on their veranda – was a pouffe, stitched together with recycled fabric and stuffed with shredded waste plastic collected on the streets. Since then, they have recycled 900 tonnes of plastic waste, and the business has grown to include eye-catching and stylish bespoke furniture, while also providing employment and education. Dunia Designs uses plastic waste to make furniture and decking in Tanzania. Photograph: Dunia DesignsAll its products are made from a material called greenwood, which is waste plastic that is cleaned and shredded before being transformed.

Source: The Irish Times March 22, 2026 20:34 UTC