Up-Fuse

Up-Fuse is a zero-waste design studio proving that circularity can be as human as it is innovative. From their studio in Cairo, they handcraft bags and accessories using a signature material made from upcycled plastic bags. Each piece starts with salvaged plastic, washed and heat-pressed into fabric – diverting 10–30 plastic bags from landfill or burning. 

The environmental story is only half of it, though. Up-Fuse was founded to confront two connected challenges: mounting plastic waste and the lack of safe, fairly paid employment for women in under-resourced communities. 

Their solution is both practical and radical – transform some of the 30 million tonnes of plastic waste created every year in Egypt into durable textiles while partnering with women-led community organisations to provide steady income. Their production model is intentionally slow and community-first, offering the women training that opens long-term pathways in design and craftsmanship. Some makers are disabled; all are valued as skilled contributors, not cheap labour. To date they've trained over 120 families.

Since launch in 2013, Up-Fuse has grown into a globally recognised zero-waste design studio, working with travellers, retailers, conscious brands and values-led corporates (from Vodafone to Adidas) who want products that are as functional as they are meaningful. Their collections are lightweight, colourful and built for everyday use – but the impact travels far further than the bag itself.