reduce - reuse - recycle
UpKel: Turning Plastic Waste into Art
UpKel is an innovative plastic recycling workshop in Kyrgyzstan. We give a second life to plastic waste by transforming it into unique interior items and accessories. Our mission is to promote conscious consumption and environmental care through creative solutions.
UpKel: Turning Plastic Waste into Art
UpKel is an innovative plastic recycling workshop in Kyrgyzstan. We give a second life to plastic waste by transforming it into unique interior items and accessories. Our mission is to promote conscious consumption and environmental care through creative solutions.
UpKel
Furniture and Decor from Waste: UpKel Transforms Plastic into New Life
How do we work?
We specialize in recycling safe types of plastic (marked with codes 2, 4, and 5), using the technology developed by the international Precious Plastic network. Our process includes:
Plastic waste collection
Careful collection and sorting of plastic waste in collaboration with our partners
Cleaning the plastic
Cleaning the plastic from debris and labels, followed by color sorting
Shredding plastic
The cleaned plastic is shredded into small pieces.
Production of goods
The shredded plastic is then used to produce various items, either by molding into special forms or by cutting sheets for further use.
What can we produce?
With every new partnership and collaboration, our product range continues to grow. If you're looking for something new and unique, reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to come up with a custom solution just for you.
Projects portfolio
Explore our portfolio of products made from recycled plastic, showcasing the material’s potential through practical items and artistic pieces that reflect sustainable design.
Pink Frog & UpKel
A premium eco-furniture collection, where each item combines environmental care and modern design. Our recycled plastic tabletops resemble marble and go perfectly with wooden elements.
Collaboration with CutaDash
With the support of the UN WFP, we created a line of national accessories that combine the cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan and eco-friendly production. The project was implemented jointly with artisans from the Batken and Osh regions.
BeAdam x UpKel
A joint collection of designer charms and pendants made from recycled plastic, proving that eco-products can be stylish and attractive.
Our Partnerships
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Pink Frog & UpKelStylish interior items for those who care about the environment are on display at the PinkFrog store. Interior items are especially loved by us, since their production requires larger volumes of plastic waste. Massive tabletops made from plastic waste can also look like marble - skillfully matched to wooden legs, they will fit perfectly into any interior. Furniture made from recycled plastic is a great gift for those who share the value of caring for the environment and future generations.
Interior items made from recycled plastic:
1. Triangular coffee table (M)
2. Round coffee table (M)
3. Round coffee table (L)
4. Wall mirrors
5. Table mirrors
6. Trays -
Collaboration with CutaDashWith the support of the UN World Food Programme, UpKel and CutADash have created a series of eco-friendly items made from garment waste and recycled plastic to promote sustainable resource use and to introduce the traditions and culture of the Kyrgyz people.
This unique series is made from recycled plastic and textile industry waste. The design was developed by CutADash and produced by artisans from the Batken and Osh regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The project not only promotes sustainable development but also supports local communities by creating meaningful economic opportunities.
1. Shopper "Yurt" with a carabiner made of recycled plastic
2. Shopper "Ustukan" with a carabiner made of recycled plastic
3. Key holder "Yurt"
4. Key holder "Kalpak"
5. Phone bag with a charm and a carabiner made of recycled plastic -
UpKel & BeAdamAs part of the UN World Food Programme project, UpKel and BeAdam have developed a design for recycled plastic charms.
With this collaboration, we wanted to emphasize that items made from recycled materials are just as bright, beautiful, and stylish as popular items made from virgin materials.
Moreover, recycled plastic charms are environmentally friendly, and each item carries an important message about the need for rational consumption of resources, at least by recycling plastic waste.
Our Services
In addition to manufacturing furniture and decor items from plastic, we can also work with you through:
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Presentations and workshops about waste in KyrgyzstanWe conduct and participate in trainings, give public lectures, organize debates, panel discussions, etc. on the topic of recycling and waste management opportunities in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia -
Workshops and ActivitiesWe'll provide a bicycle-shredder, you'll provide plastic and space. We'll pedal and shred plastic at your event, conference, or promo event. -
Workshops for kidsActivities for children on making different figures from plastic with an educational mini-lecture on how to collect, sort, and recycle plastic.
Chinara Sultanalieva
Social Entrepreneur | Sustainability Expert | Founder of EcoFem & UpKel
Chinara Sultanalieva is a passionate social entrepreneur and sustainability advocate based in Kyrgyzstan. She is the founder of EcoFem, a public foundation focused on environmental education and gender equality, and UpKel, a circular economy project that transforms plastic waste into handmade, culturally inspired products.
Her work combines plastic recycling, green innovation, and community empowerment, especially for women and rural artisans. Chinara is also a certified sustainability auditor, composting expert, and educator, training people across Central Asia in sustainable practices. Through every initiative, she redefines waste as a resource and builds inclusive, creative solutions for a greener future.
Her work combines plastic recycling, green innovation, and community empowerment, especially for women and rural artisans. Chinara is also a certified sustainability auditor, composting expert, and educator, training people across Central Asia in sustainable practices. Through every initiative, she redefines waste as a resource and builds inclusive, creative solutions for a greener future.
FAQ
- Can you make an item according to our design?Yes. Since we support the rational use of resources, we try to manufacture items only on request.
- Can I choose the color of the end product?Not always. We often try to accommodate and select the desired colors, but sometimes, when we do not have the desired colors, we offer other alternatives. The color of the product depends on the availability of secondary raw materials of the desired color. We sort all plastic by hand, clean it, and carefully shred it to prepare it for a second life in the form of your desired products.
- What types of plastic do you accept?We currently only accept plastic caps that are clean and dry. We ask that you accumulate at least three 5-liter bottles of caps before you hand them in to us.
- Do you conduct workshops for children?Yes, we conduct master classes for children on making plastic waste items. Each workshop is unique, and the price depends on the age, number of guests, and available time. Please text us for details.
Let's Build a Sustainable Future Together
Have an idea for a project? Want to learn more about our process or discuss potential partnerships? Get in touch via the contact form and let's start a conversation.
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