From Event Waste to Community Resource: TFI Lodestar & Event Cycle’s Sustainable Solution

For over 40 years, TFI Lodestar has been at the forefront of creating innovative live events that build communities and drive business growth. In line with their commitment to social impact and direction toward sustainable events, they look beyond the standard disposal of leftover event materials. So when faced with a clear-out of old items, including banners, flags, and fabrics, instead of sending these items to landfill, TFI Lodestar partnered with Event Cycle to transform them into useful resources for communities across the UK.

From Event Backdrops to Functional Bags

The donated materials were sent to Calluna Upcycling, a social enterprise dedicated to turning discarded textiles into practical, reusable products. Calluna’s skilled team, which includes women with restricted access to employment, transformed these fabrics into tote bags and storage bags, giving them a second life while reducing waste.

Where the Bags Found a New Purpose

✅ Remade Worcester (West Midlands)

A creative reuse initiative that rescues fabric, leather, and craft supplies from landfill, Remade Worcester offers low-cost materials to the public while running workshops to encourage creativity. The repurposed storage bags will be used to store and transport rescued materials, ensuring they remain in good condition for reuse, upcycling, and resale.

✅ Henbury and Brentry Community Council (Bristol)

Supporting a Community Fridge that redistributes surplus food and reduces waste, this organisation also runs a food parcel delivery service and a Community Café. The tote bags will be used for distributing food parcels, while larger storage bags will store non-perishable goods, helping to streamline their operations and support local families in need.

A Smarter Approach to Event Waste

By working with Event Cycle, TFI Lodestar ensured its event materials didn’t go to landfill but instead became a valuable resource for communities. This initiative highlights how repurposing can:

♻️ Reduce event waste and promote a circular economy

🎒 Provide practical resources for community organisations

🤝 Support social enterprises and sustainable employment

Through partnerships like this, Event Cycle continues to help the events industry turn waste into opportunity, proving that sustainability and social impact can go hand in hand.

Talk to us about your sustainable events: hello@eventcycle.org