02-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wexford designer who turns wetsuits into bags shares insights at Sustainability Cluster
"By re-imagining something that otherwise may have 'had its day' – upcycling opens up a world of new possibilities, designs, business opportunities and waste solutions. It's pretty exciting! And that's why I set up The Upcycle Movement in 2012,' she said.
The idea first took root in Lynn's mind when she received a unique bag from her brother for Christmas in 2005.
"In 2004 the devastating tsunami hit Asia, leaving so many dead and others homeless. My bag was made by widows who had lost everything at that time. It was made from the canvas tsunami rescue tents they sheltered in and had the following message on it: We've moved us carry our tents.'
She was inspired by the incredible women who saw value in something that could have been deemed as waste and transformed it in order to raise funds and help for their community.
"Since then I started to look at things differently & realise that with just a bit of creativity and imagination, almost everything around us can be a resource for something new. To landfill, incinerate, dispose, export and even recycle - all cost money and resources to do. They also impact our environment in the process. As does the extraction and processing of raw materials. And I can't help but think about the age old advice to 'make the most of what you have.'
Lynn spent some time living on a lake activity centre in Ireland and also living in Australia and became aware of the huge volume of wetsuits that get sent to landfill each year. These can not be recycled and do not biodegrade. To save them from landfill, Lynn set about seeing what else could be done with the material.
The Neo Collection features bags and accessories made from upcycled wetsuits and made for everyday adventures. Handmade with respect for the environment and a passion for a more sustainable world.
Ten percent of the profits goes towards Seal Rescue Ireland where she volunteers.
She also has held a number of workshops with Creative Places Enniscorthy and participated in the Midsommer celebrations on Vinegar Hill last summer.
Lynn shared her insights on how creative approaches to sustainability can drive meaningful impact at the South East Sustainability Cluster 2025 in Greentech HQ in Enniscorthy on Thursday, May 1.
"Beyond product creation, the company serves as an educational platform through Lynn's workshops and talks that inspire communities to explore local and sustainable solutions,' a Greentech HQ representative said.
