Our Story

Our journey

Zaliwa means 'to be born' in Swahili and reflects the re-birth of the materials used to create our products. Zaliwa was created by Heather Butler when, following an opportunity to move to Kenya in 2021, she was struck by Kenya's breathtaking natural beauty but also struck by a growing waste crisis and the lack of sustainable job opportunities. 

Zaliwa was born from a 'Eureka' moment when Heather discovered a stunning, handwoven bag made entirely from discarded sweet wrappers. The intricate weaving and vibrant design showcased not only the artisan's skill but also the incredible potential of pre-used materials. She began to explore communities across Kenya, discovering artisans who were already repurposing waste in innovative ways but lacked access to broader markets.

She envisioned Zaliwa as a platform that would amplify these artisans' voices, showcase their exceptional work globally, and as a result help to address environmental concerns. By blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainability, Zaliwa empowers artisans to drive change.

Our mission

At Zaliwa, we believe it's time to rethink our relationship with plastic - and fast. Plastic waste lingers for centuries, polluting landscapes and oceans with devastating effects. Fast fashion has also worsened textile waste, creating an environmental crisis that mirrors plastic pollution. In the Global South, where formal recycling infrastructure is scarce, these challenges are even more pressing.

But there is hope - community-led initiatives, waste clean-ups, and artisan innovations are turning discarded materials into functional works of art. This spirit of creativity and resilience inspired us to create Zaliwa - to turn what's often discarded into something remarkable.

Our mission is to prove that discarded materials can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality products. Along the way, we're committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities in rural and urban communities.

We're proud to offer products that are not only beautiful and unique but also crafted with a greater purpose. 

Our values

Circularity - Our driving focus is to ensure that materials re-enter the supply chain as a useful and beautiful products. 

Creativity - We seek to harness traditional craft skills and give them a new position in the global market - to ensure their continued use for generations to come. 

Conservation - By taking used materials out of the natural environment we protect ecosystems while creating meaningful, sustainable products.