Renu Rao Empowers Marginalized Women Through Recycling and Creating Functional Design

Co-Founder and CEO of WE Recycle, Renu Rao (seated in center) flanked by her staff. Courtesy: WE Recycle

Renu Rao (Printmaking ’89) is the founder of Hyderabad, an India-based Deckle Edge customized stationery design studio. In 2014, she partnered with Abhinav Gangumalla, who had expertise in organic waste composting and recycling, to found Women Empowerment Through Recycling–WE Recycle™. WE Recycle creates functional designs by reconditioning recyclables into eco-friendly products and plants the seeds of social reform with ecological living and environmental sustainability while empowering marginalized women.

The design concepts are originated by Rao, converting materials such as tetra paks (a type of carton packaging), glass bottles, wood, newspaper, magazine waste, etc into decorative lamps, dishes, shelves, coasters, pencil boxes, and more.

Read the full article from Forbes here.

WE Recycle up-cycled gift items include stationery sets, tea-light candle holders and gift bags. Courtesy: WE Recycle