From Plastic Waste to Design: Dunia Designs’ Sustainable Furniture Revolution in Tanzania

In Arusha, Tanzania, a unique design company is tackling the global plastic crisis whereas creating stylish and sustainable furniture. Dunia Designs, founded by Irish expats Evanna Lyons and Alexis Cronin, transforms discarded plastic waste into eye-catching pieces, offering a compelling model for environmental responsibility and economic empowerment.

A Serendipitous Beginning

Evanna Lyons, a psychotherapist originally from Meath, Ireland, first arrived in Arusha in May 2014 to work at a mental health clinic.^{The Irish Times} Her path took an unexpected turn when she met Alexis Cronin, an architect from Waterford, Ireland, who had transitioned from building luxury homes in London to constructing a church for Pallottine priests in Arusha’s Esso area.^{The Irish Times}

Both were struck by the pervasive plastic waste problem plaguing the city’s streets and rivers, prompting them to seek a solution. In 2016, they established Dunia Designs – “Dunia” meaning Earth or world in Swahili – with the initial goal of creating something beautiful and useful from this waste.^{Dunia Designs}

From Veranda to Global Recognition

The company’s first product, a pouffe stuffed with shredded plastic collected from the streets and covered with recycled fabric, was crafted on their veranda.^{Dunia Designs} Since then, Dunia Designs has recycled 900 tonnes of plastic waste and expanded its product line to include armchairs, beds, ottomans, sofas, dining tables, benches, mirrors, and even greenwood decking – all made from repurposed materials.^{Dunia DesignsThe Irish Times}

The furniture is created using a material called “greenwood,” which is waste plastic that undergoes cleaning and shredding before being transformed into durable and stylish pieces.^{The Irish Times}

Challenges and Opportunities in Tanzania

Lyons notes that while starting a business in Tanzania is relatively straightforward, maintaining it presents challenges, particularly concerning the tax system. She describes the Tanzanian Revenue Authority (TRA) system as cumbersome and unfair to the private sector.^{The Irish Times}

Despite these hurdles, Dunia Designs provides employment for 35 people, and the founders prioritize fair wages and support for their employees’ families, including contributing to their children’s education.^{The Irish Times}

Looking Ahead: A Franchise Model for Global Impact

Dunia Designs is now exploring a franchise model to expand its impact beyond Tanzania. The plan is to offer a replicable “recipe” for recycling plastic waste in areas facing similar environmental challenges worldwide.^{The Irish Times} This would allow Lyons and Cronin to transition from being direct employers to shareholders, continuing to drive the mission without the same level of operational responsibility.

The company’s success demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions to address the plastic crisis and create positive social and environmental change.^{Dunia Designs}