This Manchester company is recycling plastic bottles into limited edition cushions

As the climate emergency grows more urgent, the need for environmentally friendly products grows with it, with companies continuously coming up with more and more creative ideas on how to turn our junk into jewels.

The latest on the Manchester scene comes from textile creatives Tom & Dick’s, as they introduce their brand new range of limited edition cushions made from recycled plastic bottles.

With their store located on top of Mayfield Depot, Tom & Dick’s created the new home furnishing with inspiration from Thomas Hoyle’s design – the original owner of the Mayfield Printworks. 

Thomas Hoyle & Sons Ltd were a firm of dyers and calico printers in Manchester, which grew to become one of the largest calico printers in the world in the mid-19th century. They soon became renowned for their innovations and beautiful designs. 

Using Hoyle’s famous Medlock pattern, Tom & Dick’s have reignited his legacy through their new product, whilst also reducing the impact of plastic waste.

Each cushion is stuffed with 17 plastic bottles, and encased in 100% Panama cotton, to ensure they’re nice and plump – perfect for resting your precious head upon. 

Printed on each cushion is a limited edition pattern inspired by Hoyle’s famous design, making each pillow a contemporary addition to your home, whilst channelling a great piece of Mancunian history. 

“The original Medlock print was created by Thomas ‘Tom’ Hoyle in 1823, and we’re picking up where Tom left off by re-imagining his work for the 2020’s, as a tribute to his innovation,” explains founder of Tom & Dick’s, Amar Gangani.

Tom & Dick’s second namesake, Richard ‘Dick’ Arkwright, pioneered the world’s first steam driven textile mill in 1781, which in turn lead to Manchester earning its title as ‘Cottonopolis’ – the thriving hub of the textiles industry.

With both names paying homage to our wondrous city, Tom & Dick’s truly is Manc and proud. Launching just last year, the company is committed luxurious home furnishings that are 100% environmentally-friendly, sustainable and ethically sourced.

“We’re continuing that Manchester tradition of being at the forefront of technology,” says Amar. “We’re committed to sustainability and ethical resourcing.

“We also have a zero-plastic approach to all packaging, which is why our cushions are delivered in 100% biodegradable sugar cane sacks.” 

Each cushion is priced £45 and can be bought via their website.