Lille European Metropolis

The European Metropolis of Lille transforms its Olympic tarpaulins into sustainable accessories

What if Olympic communications materials became responsible products? To avoid the destruction of its 2,500 m² of PVC tarpaulins from the Olympic Games, MEL has opted for upcycling. The objective: local and sustainable recycling, thanks to a textile production workshop in France. An exemplary operation in terms of the circular economy, and fully in line with our CSR strategy.
Project type
Textile reclamation
Sector
Community
Usage
Employee gifts
Year
2025
Key figures
70 000
kg of CO₂ avoided - equivalent to 140 Paris-NewYork round trips by plane
10M
liters of water saved - equivalent to 160,000 showers
20t
of PVC tarpaulins recycled
12 000
mass-produced accessories
Context

Upgrading event textiles: giving a second life to Olympic tarpaulins with the European Metropolis of Lille

In the wake of the Olympic Games, the European Metropolis of Lille embarked on a concrete process of reflection on the future of the promotional tarpaulins used on its territory. Rather than resorting to destruction, the local authority opted for a more responsible and ambitious solution: to transform these 2,500 m² of PVC tarpaulins into meaningful everyday accessories. With Losanje, MEL has integrated upcycling and local textile production into its circular economy strategy.

process

Transforming event tarpaulins into eco-friendly textile accessories

To give a second life to these signage tarpaulins, Losanje took charge of the entire process: design and prototyping by our engineering department, industrial cutting of the tarpaulins using our production tools, mass production entrusted to our partner workshop Résilience, in France. The result: over 12,000 upcycled accessories distributed to MEL employees, elected representatives and partners, replacing new purchases. A way of upgrading existing equipment while limiting its environmental impact.

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results

This short-circuit production process embodies a new way of integrating circularity into public policy. By transforming these end-of-life tarpaulins, the European Metropolis of Lille is affirming its role as a driving force in the ecological transition of its territories. Far from being a one-off action, this initiative demonstrates that upcycling can meet the challenges of volume, quality and image, in line with the values and CSR commitment of the local authority's employer brand.

A large-scale circular textile initiative for local authorities

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Simon Peyronnaud
Co-founder Losanje
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