Egypt, Takatof Foundation / Kendaka Upcycles, Textile Upcycling & Crochet

Kendaka /ke:ndækᴧ/: a name historically given to Nubian queens who were strong, brave and wise, much like the women artisans who creatively upcycle textile, glass and plastic bags into creative products.

Kendaka upcycles waste into functional and creative products. Kendaka artisans are passionate about three things: waste reuse/upcycling, empowerment of women, and social commitment. Kendaka creation takes place in a small factory in Badr City, an industrial suburb of Cairo, that is set up by women for women. It combines the passion for empowering women in underprivileged areas and the drive to reduce the harmful environmental impact of waste in Egypt. The space allows the women artisans to design their own products and experiment with new ideas and techniques.

The main technique the women artisans use for textile upcycling is crochet, which is the most common handicraft skill used in the area of Badr City, where the factory is located. Textile leftovers of clothing workshops and textile factories that is normally waste, is upcycled by Kendaka artisans into a variety of homeware products including tableware like placemats, hot food coasters, basket sets, plant pots, storage baskets and bags. The artisans are continuously adding new items to the product portfolio. Kandaka is an ethical business working to become sustainable and independently run by the creative Kendakas.

To follow the story of Kendaka Upcycles, find them on social media here.