KGK Genix has implemented a new recycling scheme that sees it supplying local high schools with waste off-cut materials that students can repurpose in creative, design and technology classes.
The company – which employs over 50 people across four sites in central London, Hertfordshire and Essex – has formed the upcycling partnership with Mark Hall Academy, Burnt Mill Academy and Presdales Academy, all local to KGK Genix production sites in Harlow and Thundridge. It plans to expand the offer to other educational institutions in the local area.
Materials included in the initiative are fabrics, foam boards, cardboard, papers, and vinyls.
The idea was formed and developed by Matt Walsh, operations director at KGK Genix Harlow. He said “As a business we’re always looking for ways to be more sustainable and I really wanted to find a use for some of the materials that was left from the projects we create. Being able to upcycle waste materials in this way and have it form an important part of the curriculum for students in the local area seemed like a win-win for everyone involved.”
Noel Lysons, head of art design and technology at Mark Hall Academy in Harlow said: “The materials supplied through this scheme will allow students to model their designs and enable them to prototype and test ideas. The materials supplied are high quality and will mean that their models are a higher quality. The alternative is either using corrugated card which isn’t as easy to work with and isn’t great aesthetically. We will also be able to use these materials with younger students now because of the availability. We were unable to do this previously because the cost was prohibitive. We were paying approximately £12 for a box of 20 A4 sheets of foamboard.”
Graham Pitts, KGK group managing director said of the move: “This is a fantastic initiative and a fine example of the investment in sustainability made by the KGK Genix team. It’s great to be able to give something back to the local areas in which our business operates.”
