Lilly Loompa is a circular design and sustainability brand that transforms waste into stylish, functional lifestyle products. Their core business revolves around upcycling discarded materials into handcrafted items such as platters, snack caddies, and bespoke corporate gifts. They collaborate with businesses, tourism destinations, and retailers to co-create meaningful, branded solutions.
Where was your business when you entered the Challenge – and how have things evolved?
At the time we entered the Challenge in 2023, we were an early-stage circular design studio working from a small production space, deep in experimentation with post-consumer plastics and material behaviour. Our focus was on proving that recycled plastic could become a desirable design material. We had a strong creative vision, but were still building the systems to scale.
Since then, we have shifted from experimental prototyping to a more structured production model. We have developed more refined, repeatable product ranges suitable for commercial use; strengthened retail and corporate partnerships; improved consistency in production, sourcing, and fulfilment; and are moving from “concept-led” to a more established circular manufacturing business. We are proud to have secured repeat commercial clients, and to have integrated into South Africa’s circular economy ecosystem, growing brand recognition beyond niche sustainability spaces into broader design and gifting markets.
In diverting plastic waste from landfill and low-value recycling streams and turning it into durable, design-led products with real commercial value, creating skilled work along the way, we have helped shift perception of recycled plastic from “waste material” to premium design material, and supported a more visible, viable circular economy.
What’s next?
We will be scaling production capacity while maintaining design quality. This will require us to build more structured, consistent waste supply partnerships and to expand into larger retail, corporate, interior, and architectural markets. We will also continue to explore new applications for circular materials.
Advice for other applicants?
Before the Challenge, we had never done a public pitch of that scale. I was very nervous – being surrounded by global participants made it quite intimidating – and I definitely stumbled while finding my rhythm. It was a real “first exposure” moment on an international stage. Since then, everything has changed — I’ve grown in confidence and have gone on to pitch globally with strong success. So: don’t wait until your idea feels perfect — clarity matters more than polish. Be honest about where you are in your journey. Show real traction, even if it’s small
The value is as much in the process, exposure, and connections as it is in winning.
SOLVE involvement beyond the Challenge:
Pitch training – coaching on how to present the business at the final pitch session. Introduced to the Design Lab at the Craft & Design Institute (CDI) to explore distribution channels. Introduced to African Circular Economy Network; Lilly Loompa accepted as member.