This summer, we're urging you to get creative and give repurposing a go, starting with your empty VEG 1 tins
Sustainability is at the heart of our brand, which is why VEG 1 tins are completely plastic-free and infinitely recyclable. When we rebranded our multivitamin range four years ago, this is one of the reasons why we chose aluminium packaging. As well as being sturdy and strong to protect your vitamins, it is the most recycled material and can be recycled forever, unlike other materials such as glass or plastic. But just because aluminium is so easily recyclable, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a benefit to repurposing and reusing your tins.
Why repurpose?
Repurposing and reusing things you already have is a great alternative to buying something new. By repurposing something that you already have and is already made, you are saving the energy it takes to not only make something new but also the energy that recycling itself takes. If a circular economy and reduced carbon footprint is the goal, then repurposing and reusing what we already have is a must. By giving your VEG 1 tins a new lease of life, you'll be helping to reduce the unnecessary waste that comes with buying new.
How to repurpose my tin
There are many ways that you can go about reusing your VEG 1 packaging. Both the three-month and six-month sizes are perfect for the below can crafts and projects. Your tin is ready to reuse as it is, but if you’d prefer to create something unique to you, then you can add a lick of paint or cover with twine or jute rope. Decorate it as you like and get creative! There is no shortage of ideas when it comes to repurposing.
To help you decide how to reuse your tin, we’ve split our ideas into three categories: gardening, household and kids’ crafts. Seeing as the sun is shining recently in the UK, let’s start with the gardening examples:
Gardening:
1. A vase for garden posies
Our 180 VEG 1 tins are the perfect size for displaying handpicked garden posies, such as these gorgeous sweet peas. Simply fill tins with water, add flowers and your VEG 1 packaging has a whole new use. 
2. Sowing seeds
Instead of buying seed trays and plant pots, why not use your VEG 1 tin to sow seeds in? Just add some compost and get sowing. (Top tip: remember to add grit to increase drainage or consider drilling a drainage hole in the base)
3. Propagation/plant pot
Our VEG 1 90 tins are the perfect size for propagating cuttings or potting up rooted cuttings and plant babies. As a more creative project, you can even glue a few tins together to create planters.
4. Storing tools and garden knick-knacks
Our tins can be used to store and organise tools such as dibbers and plant labels which are otherwise easily lost.
Household:
5. Scrunchie holder
Let’s face it, scrunchies, bobbles and hair grips often go missing, lost forever between space and time. But if you’d prefer to keep hold of them, then your VEG 1 packaging might come in handy. You can place scrunchies and bobbles around the tin, and hair grips or hairbrushes inside.
6. Pen pot
A great addition to your office desk, our tins can be used for storing pens, pencils and any other stationery.
7. Toothbrush holder
Need a spot for your bamboo toothbrush? Your empty VEG 1 can double up as a toothbrush holder and even hold other bathroom essentials such as razors.
8. Homemade candles
If you’re feeling particularly crafty, then why not reuse your VEG 1 tins as the casing for homemade candles? The lids also have their uses, as they’re the perfect size to double up as tea-light holders.
Kids’ crafts:
If you need a fun, child-friendly project for the summer holidays then consider the below ideas:
9. Add some googly eyes and a spooky smile
Your VEG 1 packaging is a few steps away from becoming a new character in your kids’ collection. Create a core memory by allowing them to decorate their VEG 1 tin with googly eyes, paint on a spooky smile and add other funny features to customize.
10. Handprint butterfly
We love classic can crafts and we think your kids will too. Transform your VEG 1 tin into the body of a butterfly by painting in the colour of your choice, adding googly eyes and antennae. Then, use a glue gun to stick on your wings. We recommend using handprints for the wings for a personal touch, colouring them in the pattern and style of your choice for a fun and memorable craft. This craft is typically made using soup cans, but our slender VEG 1 tins work perfectly too. The finished product can be used to decorate your child's room or given to a sibling or friend as a present.
We hope that this blog post has inspired you to give repurposing a go, and if it has, we’d love to see how you’ve reused your tin and any other ideas you have. Please snap a photo and either email it to bd-marketing[at]vegansociety[dot]com, or upload to socials and tag us (you can find all of our social handles below).
Happy crafting!
Written by Bethany Dandy, Marketing Officer.
Follow The Vegan Society on Instagram – @theoriginalvegansociety and Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok – The Vegan Society. You can also find the Vegan Trademark on Instagram, LinkedIn and X/Twitter – @vegantrademark.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
