Freee Recycle, a Nigerian tyre recycling company, unveiled its latest innovation—the Àjàlá tote and laptop bags, crafted from 80 percent recycled materials.

Addressing Nigeria’s tyre waste crisis

Nigeria, like many other countries, faced a growing tyre waste crisis. In 2017 alone, the country generated 113,000 tons of waste tyres, with limited recycling solutions available. Companies like Freee Recycle emerged with innovative approaches to address this challenge, transforming discarded tyres into functional and stylish products.

Àjàlá: A symbol of sustainability and innovation

Named after the Yoruba word for “traveller”, the Àjàlá bags embodied themes of sustainability, transformation, and movement. They served as a reminder that waste could be repurposed into valuable resources rather than discarded.

Founder Ifedolapo Runsewe, who had been nominated for this year’s Recircle Awards in the Women’s Award for the Tyre Recycling Sector category, shared:

"At Freee Recycle, we believe waste does not have to be the end of the road; it can be the start of something new. The Àjàlá bags prove that recycling can be both practical and stylish. We are giving old tyres a second life, tackling Nigeria’s waste problem and supporting a cleaner planet."

Beyond fashion: A broader commitment to sustainability

The Àjàlá bags were part of Freee Recycle’s larger mission to promote sustainable waste management. The company aimed to recycle over 5 million tyres annually, contributing to pollution reduction and eco-friendly manufacturing in Africa.

Beyond bags, recycled tyres could be transformed into pyrolysis oil, rubber-modified asphalt, and other sustainable products that supported both the economy and the environment.

By launching the Àjàlá bags, Freee Recycle demonstrated how innovative recycling solutions could drive positive change in waste management, fashion, and sustainability.

Article by Freee Recycle.