Lagos entrepreneur transforms plastic waste into eco-friendly buttons

Joshua Attat, the CEO and Founder of Pneedles, is revolutionizing the fashion industry with his sustainable approach to button production. His journey began with Lyvin, an award-winning brand that repurposed plastic waste into furniture and construction materials. Building on this success, Attat established Printy and Packer, a company that manufactures sustainable packaging materials from agricultural waste.

However, it was his observation of the fashion industry’s reliance on virgin plastics for button production that inspired Attat to create Pneedles. By utilizing plastic waste as a raw material, Pneedles is not only reducing environmental impact but also meeting the growing demand for sustainable materials in the fashion sector.

The process of transforming plastic waste into beautiful buttons involves collecting, sorting, and shredding the plastic before molding it into the final product. Pneedles’ buttons come in various colors and sizes, offering customization options to match different clothing styles.

Beyond aesthetics, Pneedles’ innovation has a significant environmental impact by diverting plastic waste from landfills and oceans. The company also supports local waste pickers, creating jobs and empowering the community.

Looking ahead, Attat envisions Pneedles as a catalyst for a more sustainable fashion industry, with plans to expand into sustainable beads and other accessories. He emphasizes the importance of gradual sustainability efforts in the industry, urging creatives to start with small changes like using sustainable buttons and eco-friendly packaging.

Attat believes that by prioritizing circularity and resource efficiency, the fashion industry can drive positive social and environmental change. With Pneedles leading the way, the future of fashion looks greener and more responsible.