Sector: Textile
Kabuk Studio is an innovative, women-led social enterprise that transforms non-recyclable posters and packaging materials into high-quality, functional, and aesthetic design products. By converting waste into value, the initiative actively contributes to the circular economy, strengthens green and sustainability skills, and promotes environmentally responsible consumption patterns in the region.
Kabuk Studio addresses a critical but often overlooked environmental challenge: the large-scale waste generated by short-term promotional posters and non-recyclable packaging. In Turkey and the Balkan region—where recycling systems are insufficient, waste-management policies are limited, and awareness of upcycling remains low—vinyl posters made of PVC accumulate rapidly and cannot be integrated into standard recycling systems. These materials often become waste within two weeks, creating a significant environmental footprint.
The initiative raises awareness among companies, municipalities, and consumers by demonstrating that both producers and consumers share responsibility for the waste generated. Through creative transformation processes, Kabuk Studio turns discarded materials into durable design products, showcasing the potential of circular-economy solutions and motivating stakeholders to adopt more sustainable, waste-free practices.
Target Groups & Beneficiaries
Women, young people, disadvantaged and vulnerable groups seeking green skills, employment, and empowerment
Companies, brands, and municipalities producing short-term promotional materials
Consumers adopting sustainable and zero-waste lifestyles
Local communities benefiting from reduced environmental impact and increased sustainability awareness
Impact and Outcomes
• Companies and municipalities acknowledge ownership and responsibility for the waste they generate.
• Institutions begin integrating sustainability and circular-economy principles into their service models.
• Low-value, non-recyclable materials gain new economic, aesthetic, and functional value through upcycling.
• The initiative contributes directly to the circular economy by transforming waste into long-lasting design products.
• Kabuk Studio establishes a highly replicable model that inspires other organizations at local, regional, and national levels.
• Consumers are encouraged to adopt sustainable consumption habits through exposure to upcycled, durable, and ethically produced goods.
• The initiative supports women’s economic empowerment and creates local employment opportunities, contributing to social cohesion.
• By providing fair and local production, Kabuk Studio strengthens community engagement and fosters inclusive, sustainable development.
• Overall, the practice enables a shift from waste disposal to creative, environmentally beneficial, and economically valuable transformation, generating broad and long-term impact.
Transferability & Scalability
Kabuk Studio provides a highly transferable model that demonstrates how local waste streams can be turned into green skills, employment opportunities, and sustainable design products across multiple sectors.
• Launched the first upcycling workshop and shop in Çanakkale, pioneering a new model for regional circular-economy initiatives.
• Developed waste-free gift and cargo packaging, enabling nearly 800 shipments to be delivered using reusable packaging made from discarded fabrics and posters.
• In partnership with the Çanakkale Municipality and Governor’s Office, collected and recycled 780 m² of short-term event posters.
• Produced 300 bags for Skoda Turkey by upcycling 170 m² of promotional posters.
• Upcycled 120 m² of Penti window posters into seasonal product collections sold online.
• Used Borusan Logistics’ waste stretch film as bag-filling material, demonstrating cross-sector adaptability.
• Designed and launched a misprinted-packaging bag series for Eti Gıda—ongoing as a scalable corporate collaboration.
• Local individuals and businesses voluntarily started collecting and delivering their packaging waste, creating a community-driven ecosystem around sustainability.
This best practice can be replicated by:
Municipalities seeking sustainable waste-management models
Companies aiming to reduce their environmental footprint
Social enterprises wishing to create local green jobs
VET systems focusing on green and circular skills development.
Kabuk Studio operates as an inclusive, safe, and collaborative workshop where women, young people, older adults, and disadvantaged groups—including transgender youth—work together to gain economic independence while contributing to environmental sustainability. The initiative challenges social prejudices, supports equal opportunities, and fosters social inclusion.
By offering employment in green and circular-economy activities, the project strengthens economic empowerment for women and youth. Kabuk Studio aims to expand its environmental and social impact by developing measurable indicators, documenting outcomes, and integrating data-driven monitoring processes in the upcoming period.