I have reported on quite a few “Trash to Treasure” stories over the years—the most recent being Poly-Wood, LLC because of its use of high-density polyethylene in its furniture. High-density polyethylene is an extremely durable type of plastic you’ll find all around your home: milk jugs, detergent containers, shampoo bottles, lotion bottles, cleaner spray bottles, etc.
The most recent trash to treasure example that caught my eye is South Africa’s Stephen Pikus Design. Stephen is the founder, owner and creative director of his company that transforms truck and auto industry-related products such as truck waste oil filters and truck cooling fans into unique and creative light fixtures, lamps, and more. Other materials used in the works of art include recycled glass and air filters.
The company’s own summary of its work: “At Stephen Pikus Design, lighting is approached as a form of sculpture. Each piece begins with materials that have already lived a life. Reclaimed elements are carefully reimagined, shaped, and assembled into artworks that transform the way a space feels. The process is slow and deliberate, guided by form, balance, and the relationship between light and shadow. The result is not mass-produced lighting, but sculptural objects designed to live within architecture. For interior designers, this means pieces that not only are sourced from our catalogue but also customizable pieces that are unique to each space.”
Tons of Materials Kept Out of the Landfill
Stephen told me his company has upcycled about 50 tons of landfill-bound materials so far with Volvo being the source of much of the transportation-related materials used. He says that Volvo loves what he is doing.
Stephen, who has a background working for a nonprofit, had tinkered with sea glass for years and began visiting dumps for other reusable items.
“As I started to recycle, I fell in love with the process of making something out of waste,” he says.
One day he saw the top of an air filter sticking out of a trash can. That inspired him to begin creating light fixtures. He entered a competition in 2014 and entered a fixture made from used air filters from trucks. Design shows and trade shows helped give exposure to his company and he began to get some projects. His first sales were in 2015. Approximately 20 people now work for Stephen Pikus Design, and the company has hosted hundreds of young people as part of various learnership and internship programs, giving them the opportunity to learn the industry for a year and for those that are a good fit, they are offered permanent positions.
Stephen says there is a subculture of informal recyclers who supply the glass for the handcrafted lighting fixtures. “We pay them three times what the South Africa market pays for glass,” he says.
Lighting Collection Examples
Fire & Ice features handmade sea glass light fixtures fully customized to a space. Bloom is a whimsical addition to the Stephen Pikus Design collection, handcrafted from recycled waste air filter mesh, molded entirely by hand into delicate flower-shaped sculptures. Blow is made from discarded truck cooling fans. Fluxx is a raw, industrial lighting collection handcrafted from recycled truck filter mesh. Liefie—Afrikaans for “little love”—is a delicate and feminine lighting collection inspired by the organic beauty of leaves. Handcrafted from recycled materials and shaped entirely by hand, each piece captures the gentle movement and grace of nature. Born during the stillness of South African lockdown, Midnite Oil is a sleek and sophisticated lighting collection handcrafted from repurposed used oil filters.
Custom work is also available. “At Stephen Pikus Design, the only limit is your imagination,” Stephen says. “Our bespoke custom studio has brought to life everything from ginormous sculptural light trees adorned with leaves and flowers, to immersive light art exhibitions, handcrafted wooden lighting sculptures and even playful Lego light installations.”
Many of the creations from Stephen Pikus Design now appear in hotels and other lodging establishments around the world.
Also see https://www.youtube.com/@stephenpikusdesign and https://www.instagram.com/stephenpikusdesign.
