Design studio Papermelon is turning waste paper into home decorations and jewellery as part of its sustainable initiative.
Papermelon sources the waste paper from recycled newspapers, magazines, paper bags, gift wraps, calendars and pamphlets collected from friends and businesses. The brand then collaborates with local artisans and suppliers for jewellery, packaging and gift wrapping.
The brand says the whole process is done by hand tools with no machinery used, following the zero-waste policy of the studio. All materials are made from recycled waste such as plastic bottles and old pens.
Papermelon products are coated in multiple layers of sealant and designed to last for many years.
“We started as an ordinary business in 2009. Thankfully, we had an eye for ‘upcycling’, though the word was not coined back then,” said Devi Chand, India-based designer and founder of Papermelon.
“The brand naturally evolved by making sustainable choices in every step and detail – in life and business. We’re not perfect, but we’re determined to make this an extra-ordinarily ecologically committed business.”
The idea of creating Papermelon originates from Chand’s passion for designing and making crafts from colourful paper. After losing interest in office work, Chand decided to start her business in 2009 and began her sustainability journey.
Besides the jewellery, the packaging is also reusable since it is made from recycled crinkle paper and fabric ribbons cut from tailoring waste – to deliver the full sustainability message of the studio.
Papermelon’s items are available on its website with new designs introduced monthly.
