Description
Our Shwe Shwe pencil cases are a celebration of South African culture and sustainable creativity. Crafted from authentic Shwe Shwe cotton, each case showcases the fabric’s deep indigo dye and distinctive geometric patterns. Once embraced by the Xhosa and Sotho people, Shwe Shwe has become affectionately known as the “tartan of South Africa.”
In every textile production process, there are fabric scraps that cannot be used, no matter how carefully the work is planned. Thanks to generous donations of these remnants, Upcycle transforms what would otherwise be discarded into practical, stylish pencil cases. Each one reflects our mission: to convert every scrap of waste into something of value.
To duscuss any options or changes including adding your brand to the finished product contact us
Climate Impact
Cotton is resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water, land, and energy to produce. On average, manufacturing 1 kg of cotton fabric generates around 20–28 kg of CO₂e emissions.
By reusing donated offcuts instead of sourcing new fabric, each Shwe Shwe pencil case prevents valuable material from going to waste and avoids the emissions of new cotton production. Based on fabric use per case (~40 g), this translates to a saving of 80 g to 1 kg of CO₂e per pencil case. This is part of the total waste initiative that we at upcycle work on
Community Impact
Every pencil case purchased directly supports our community of makers, who transform discarded materials into meaningful products. Through their craftsmanship, artisans are empowered to earn a sustainable income for themselves and their families. Each product carries not only the heritage of Shwe Shwe but also a story of resilience, opportunity, and positive change.
