Cone Exchange Case Study

Background

As a sustainable company, Techbuyer is always looking for ways to create value and reduce waste where possible. One of the elements of the business that we wanted to improve is our packaging.

Techbuyer needed a creative sustainable solution for recycling bubble wrap and polystyrene foam, and the Cone Exchange, Harrogate’s unique community scrap store offered a perfect one.

A Win Win Scenario

Every year the Cone Exchange works with 200 Yorkshire schools, community groups, social enterprises and charities to transform trash into quality refurbished items. It also encourages young people to become environmentally aware whilst providing a valuable resource for crafters from the local area.

Techbuyer and Chris Powell, who runs the Cone Exchange, joined forces to make good use of the non-recyclable materials. The solution was simple yet inventive: they started providing quality work experience for young adults with additional needs to organise the foam and create arts and crafts with it. Chris and his team turned the foam into Christmas snowflake decorations, which were a great success with schools.

This solution was perfect for us as it allows us to reach our recycling targets with products that we wouldn’t have been able recycle.

Benefits of this Collaboration

Like us, the Cone Exchange refurbishes materials that would go to waste and turns them into high quality products. Working with the Cone Exchange was a great opportunity and an ideal solution to find a use for incoming non-recyclable packaging. The Cone Exchange partners with a range of local charities and crafting groups. Community involvement is what makes the project so successful and at Techbuyer we are honoured to have been involved with such a positive organisation.

It was inspiring to see the social impact this project had across schools in Yorkshire. Turning this collaboration in a long-term partnership was a very easy decision to make.