US-based designer Benjamin Weinstein has launched its company, renewpurpose, offering stylish cases and bags from discarded rubber tyre inner tubes.
Weinstein commented in an interview that the toughness of rubber tyres, if crafted properly, can be made into excellent protective devices for portable devices like smartphones and tablets.
Renewpurpose, through tieups with recycling centres and scrap dealers, and working with a small workshop specialising in making small bags and cases, developed prototypes with recycled inner tubes (from cars, trucks and motorcycle tyres) external shell and colourful inner case lining.
The cases, with price ranging from US30 to 45, depending on size and function, are said to be durable, water resistant, and provides ample protection for the delicate parts of the gadget.
The inner lining is extra soft to allow the gadget to easily slip in and out of the sleeves without scratching, says Weinstein.