On the occasion of World Environment Day, Sustainability Initiatives recently hosted a creative event. An upcycling competition was organised for VK Group where the participants were asked to create functional and durable products from the things they no longer need at office or home.
Upcycling is defined as “The act of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life and new function. In doing so, the finished product often becomes more practical, valuable and beautiful than what it previously was.”

The entire staff of VK group participated in the event! The idea behind it was to promote hands-on repurposing practices. We got to see some brilliant ideas put in form and function and we were delighted with the enthusiasm shown by the staff! Around 300 employees were grouped into 28 teams who made some amazing products through waste; Plastics, Footrest and stools from emptied paper rolls, a hanger from antennae, pen stands from obsolete visiting cards, paper weights from rough papers, mobile stands, Wall clocks, light lamps, rain cots, dustbins, pipe flute, organisers from mango crates etc. to name a few. . These products were exhibited in the office studio for 2 days. Inspite of working hard throughout the week, all the employees managed to give their precious weekend for this activity!

Founder of VK Group, Ar Vishwas Kulkarni was visited to the exhibition. Dr Shruti Nigudkar Head of School, School of Fine Arts, MIT and Ar Manali Deshmukh, Vice Principal, SMEF’s Brick School of Architecture were the honorable judges of the event. Ms Deepa Bokil, Ar Kanchan Sidhaye and Mr Amol Umbarje were present.

Winners of the competition
1st – Team B – BIN MAGICIANS
2nd – Team CuMi Lab – Xeriscapers and C – COSMIC COMRADES
3rd – Team Z – ZERO WASTE
Special Mention- Team G – Greenenviro and R – Resilient Recyclers