All that glitters is treasure …women transform waste into jewellery

SWAKOPMUND – What started as a creative project during the Covid-19 pandemic has grown into a small, focused business for two women from Swakopmund. Lovina Kubirske and Magret Coetzee started Upcycle, an environmentally friendly business that transforms discarded coffee capsules into handmade, affordable jewellery. Upcycle recently showcased their trendy jewellery at the Trade Expo and Business Summit that ended over the weekend in Swakopmund.

Speaking to New Era at their stall, Kubirske said she is an avid nature lover who dedicates much of her time to cleaning beaches and protecting the ocean environment. Drawing on her 21 years of experience in direct sales, Kubirske saw an opportunity to combine entrepreneurship with environmental conservation by giving used aluminium coffee capsules a second life. Concerned about the growing amount of waste ending up in landfills and the environment, Kubirske began collecting and repurposing used coffee capsules, including those commonly associated with international coffee brands advertised by actor George Clooney.