Cipla Launches a Chair Design Competition for a Good Cause

Cipla Launches a Chair Design Competition for a Good Cause

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTO Pexels


Pharmaceutical company Cipla has been exploring innovative ways to go green as a business and their latest initiative is all about taking discarded items and giving them a second lease on life.

As part of Cipla’s #CrazySocks4Docs campaign, which aimed to raise awareness around the mental health of healthcare professionals, the company collected thousands of used socks. They’re now taking that original initiative one step further by turning thousands of donated socks into gorgeous, unusual but sustainably produced chairs.

Cipla Launches a Chair Design Competition for a Good Cause

They’re asking emerging as well as established South African designers to design a unique, sustainably made chair or bench using socks. The chairs will ultimately be auctioned off with the proceeds going towards the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) free counselling helpline.

The winning design will also receive a prize of R150 000.

Submission requirements

  • The chair or bench must be functional.
  • You must use biodegradable or fully recycled materials/ eco-friendly and local, sustainably sourced materials.
  • The recycled socks must be included in the design, in a quirky or stylish way.
  • Photos of the chair created must be accompanied by a short description of your design inspiration. The explanation must not exceed 300 words.
  • Submissions can be emailed to fidelia.vanderlinde@cipla.com or you can enter online.
  • The chairs will be showcased during a physical exhibition, and also via means of an auction.

Entries close on 1 December 2022 and winners will be announced in January 2023. For more information, visit cipla.co.za.

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