What do you do with banners from past events, worn-out lanyards or clothing that's seen better days? In many places, they end up forgotten in a cupboard or dumped on the rubbish heap. But at VUB, we’ve chosen a different path. Under the motto RETHINK. REUSE. REJOICE., we’re giving discarded campus materials a brand-new life.
Discover our first upcycled collection via the VUB webshop and help shape a more sustainable campus.
In collaboration with CiLAB, we’ve launched a pilot project that transforms old campus materials into new, practical, and sustainable products. From colourful shoulder bags to handy toiletry pouches – each item is unique, durable, and crafted with care and social impact in mind. CiLAB is a Mechelen-based textile workshop that champions circularity and social connection. People from diverse backgrounds are given opportunities and recognition based on their talents. The result? Objects with a past, made by people with a future.
Reuse with character
The collection is steadily growing. Here are a few items you can already find in the VUB webshop:
- A pencil case with zip and VUB carabiner
- A seat cushion made from hospitality uniforms, with a removable and washable cover
- A breathable mesh laundry basket – strong and foldable
- A shoulder bag with multiple compartments, made from reworked textiles
- A toiletry pouch with snap closure – compact and airy
We're also exploring ideas for future upcycled products:
- A laptop or tablet sleeve with multifunctional use
- A kitchen apron made from recycled lanyards
- A festive bunting line for events
- A ‘student wardrobe’ made from banners, designed for student rooms
- And something striking: punchbags made from old VUB materials, currently in testing
Those punchbags are being tested for use at the future Martial Arts Expertise Centre on our campus. If they pass our sustainability tests, they'll be put to full use there. Two are already set to be installed this summer in the student space.
From slogan to systems thinking
This pilot project fits perfectly with the vision behind our 2021-2022 Academic Year Opening, where we first launched the slogan RETHINK. REUSE. REJOICE. Not just catchy words, but a real call to rethink waste and what we do with it.
That same spirit runs through our university. In The Land of Hope, VUB students and researchers, led by Professor Cathy Macharis, explore future scenarios for a sustainable society. They advocate for system change, putting circularity, wellbeing, and justice at the centre. Not just ideals on paper, but real, workable ideas that show what’s possible when we dare to look – and act – differently.
Got ideas?
This circular collection is just getting started. But to truly make something special, we need your help. What else could we create from old campus materials? Got a creative spark, a wild idea or a smart suggestion?
Maybe you’re a VUB staff member with old banners, fabric, or other discarded promo materials lying around, begging for a second life. Let us know — and if you’ve already got a plan for them, even better!
Send your idea to marcom@vub.be, and who knows? You might just see your design pop up in the VUB webshop soon.
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.