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Cycle Of Good Turning Waste into Social Wealth
Published by Cycle Of Good

Cycle Of Good Turning Waste into Social Wealth

Apr 09, 2026 Stoke-on-Trent
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In an era of disposable fast fashion and environmental crisis, one Stoke-on-Trent based social enterprise is proving that "waste" is merely a lack of imagination. Cycle Of Good is not just a brand; it is a pioneering movement that bridges the gap between environmental sustainability in the United Kingdom and international development in Malawi.

Operating under a unique 100% non-profit model, Cycle Of Good rescues materials destined for UK landfills—primarily used bicycle inner tubes and coffee sacks—and ships them to Malawi. There, they are transformed by talented local tailors into high-quality, durable lifestyle products. Every penny of surplus generated from these sales is reinvested into early years care, education, and community development in Chilomoni, Malawi. This is the "Cycle of Good" in action: reducing waste in one hemisphere to fund hope in another.

The Problem: Fast Fashion and Industrial Waste

To understand the necessity of Cycle Of Good, one must look at the dual crises of the modern age:

  1. The Environmental Toll: Every year, millions of bicycle inner tubes and thousands of tonnes of burlap coffee sacks are discarded in the UK. These materials are incredibly durable—often taking hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill.

  2. The Economic Divide: Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world. With limited industrial infrastructure, many talented individuals lack access to fair-wage employment, trapping families in cycles of generational poverty.

Our Mission: Upcycling with a Global Conscience

Cycle Of Good serves as the commercial arm of the Krizevac Project, a UK registered charity. Since its founding in 2016 by George Furnival, the mission has remained steadfast: to create trade, not just aid. By focusing on fair trade manufacturing and upcycling technology, the organization empowers Malawian communities to build their own economic independence.

The Material Journey: From Landfill to Luxury

The production process is a masterclass in the circular economy.

  • Bicycle Inner Tubes: We partner with bike shops across the UK to collect punctured and "retired" tubes. These are cleaned and treated to become a rugged, water-resistant, and vegan-friendly alternative to leather.

  • Coffee Sacks: Sourced from local UK roasteries, these hessian sacks provide a rustic yet stylish outer shell for tote bags and messenger bags.

  • African Wax-Print Fabrics: To add a vibrant soul to our products, we use traditional fabrics sourced directly from Malawian markets, supporting local textile vendors.

Product Spotlight: Craftsmanship that Lasts

When you purchase a product from Cycle Of Good, you aren't just buying an accessory; you are investing in a piece of engineering.

1. Recycled Inner Tube Wallets

Our signature product. These wallets are virtually indestructible. Because the rubber has already been road-tested, it is naturally water-resistant and develops a unique patina over time. They are the perfect ethical gift for men and eco-conscious cyclists.

2. Upcycled Coffee Sack Bags

Combining the durability of hessian with a soft inner lining of recycled fabric, these bags are ideal for grocery shopping, beach days, or daily commutes. Each bag features unique typography from the original coffee plantations in South America or Africa.

3. Elephant Bikes

Part of our broader mission includes the refurbishment of former Royal Mail "Pashley" bikes. These "Elephant Bikes" are sold in the UK to fund a "Buy One, Give One" scheme, providing vital transportation to workers and students in Malawi.

Social Impact: The Heart of Chilomoni

The true value of Cycle Of Good is measured in human lives, not just retail units. Based in the Beehive Centre for Social Enterprise in Malawi, our operations support:

  • Fair Wages: Our tailors earn a living wage that is significantly higher than the national average, providing security for their families.

  • Education: Surplus funds support the Mother Teresa Children’s Centre, providing high-quality early years care for hundreds of children.

  • Skills Training: We offer a two-year diploma in tailoring and design, ensuring that our team members are masters of their craft.

Why Choose Ethical Corporate Gifting?

Forward-thinking businesses are moving away from plastic-heavy "swag." Cycle Of Good offers ethical corporate gifting solutions that tell a story. Custom-branded inner tube notebooks or laptop sleeves allow companies to demonstrate their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while providing employees with gifts they will actually value.

How to Find Us

Located in the historic heart of Stoke-on-Trent, our headquarters at The Bridge Centre serves as both a distribution hub and a showroom. Visitors can drop off old inner tubes for recycling and browse our full collection of handcrafted goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are your products truly vegan?

Yes! Our inner tube range is a 100% vegan-friendly alternative to leather. We use no animal products in our upcycling process.

2. Where does the money from my purchase go?

Cycle Of Good is a 100% non-profit enterprise. All surplus (profits after costs) is sent directly to Malawi to fund schools, childcare, and community projects through the Krizevac Project.

3. Can I donate my old bicycle inner tubes to you?

Absolutely. We accept tube donations at our Stoke-on-Trent showroom or via post. Please ensure they are free from "slime" or sealant.

4. How do I clean my upcycled inner tube bag?

Inner tube rubber is very low maintenance. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and a bit of mild soapy water. For a shine, you can use a tiny amount of vegetable oil or specialized rubber care products.

5. Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we offer nationwide UK shipping and international delivery to several countries. Check our website for specific rates.

6. Who makes the products?

Our products are handcrafted by a team of over 500 partners and employees in Chilomoni, Malawi, who have been trained through our tailoring diploma program.

7. Are you a member of any fair trade organizations?

Yes, we are a Guaranteed Member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and a member of Social Enterprise UK.

8. What is an "Elephant Bike"?

Elephant Bikes are refurbished former Royal Mail delivery bikes. For every bike sold in the UK, another is provided to a person in Malawi to help them get to work or school.

9. Can I visit your showroom?

Yes! Our ethical showroom in Stoke-on-Trent is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

10. Do you offer personalized gifts for weddings or events?

We certainly do! We can discuss bulk orders for events that align with our mission of sustainability and social impact.

Business Information Snapshot

  • Founder: George Furnival

  • Headquarters: Stoke-on-Trent, UK

  • Founded: 2016

  • Core Materials: Inner tubes, Coffee sacks, Wax-print fabric

  • Contact: +44 (0)1782 810715 | info@cycleofgood.com

  • Website: www.cycleofgood.com

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Stoke-on-Trent Quick Facts

Essential information and unique highlights about the city at a glance.

# Key Insight / Local Fact
1 Stoke-on-Trent is known as the Potteries due to its rich pottery heritage.
2 The city was formed in 1910 by the federation of six towns.
3 It is home to the world's first factory for mass-producing pottery.
4 The city has over 25 museums and galleries.
5 Stoke-on-Trent is famous for its unique bottle kilns.
6 The city has been a center for ceramics for over 300 years.
7 It is the birthplace of many famous pottery brands, including Wedgwood and Royal Doulton.
8 Stoke-on-Trent is home to the annual British Ceramics Biennial.
9 The city has a population of approximately 250,000 residents.
10 Stoke-on-Trent is located in the heart of the UK, making it easily accessible from major cities.
11 The city has diverse communities, with a rich tapestry of cultures.
12 Stoke-on-Trent has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries and theaters.
13 The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the Peak District.
14 It has a strong sporting culture, particularly in football and rugby.
15 The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.