Introducing Plastiqua
Plastiqua is a green initiative by Bank al Etihad in collaboration with local fashion designer Petra Orfali. Together we explored innovative methods that directly impact the reduction of waste today. Starting with upcycling used bank cards and handcrafting them into accessories and art pieces in an effort to address the ill-effects of the plastic we produce.
Plastiqua items are produced through a community effort that impacts the lives of a group of women from Jabal al Nathif. Petra works closely with them to break down the cards and guides them on the creative application of handcrafting the cards into upcycled pieces. The proceeds that come from the sales of Plastiqua items will act as a source of income for these women to empower them economically.
15% of the waste produced in Jordan is composed of plastic which takes hundreds of years to decompose and the specific type of plastic bank cards are made of PVC, is almost never addressed in recycling efforts, so we felt that addressing this issue through upcycling was the best route to take.
We initiated a solution that is inspired by a defining pillar of our corporate social responsibility program that centers around the environment and particularly touches on ‘responsible production and consumption’, which is one of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals that closely resonates with our promise of shaping a better future for the generations to come.
We’re excited to launch Plastiqua’s line of unique items that range from earrings, necklaces, picture frames, and keychains that are currently available for sale at Swefieh Village’s Hotspot concept store.
Spreading the message of consuming responsibly made fashion items that empower a female led ensemble is also one that feeds into Petra’s vision for her business.
Petra commented on Plastiqua as being a true labor of love that engages women in her fashion house to be economically empowered while explore their artistry and impact on the environment.