Plastic Shed’s Cap-tivating Achievement Wins Merseyway International Green Apple Award
Merseyway Shopping Centre has been awarded the prestigious International Green Apple Environment Award for its collaboration with community benefit society, Plastic Shed, on the creation of the UK’s largest recycled plastic lid mural.
Created with the essential support of the CBRE Property Management Team and Merseyway Shopping Centre, the plastic lid mural was brought to life by Caitlin Atherton, a local artist and founder of Plastic Shed in Merseyway, who hosts a variety of creative workshops and community projects in the shopping centre in exchange for a rent-free unit.
The plastic lid mural showcases the beauty of Stockport’s endangered wildlife and iconic landmarks—all while making a powerful statement about the growing issue of plastic waste pollution. Spanning an impressive 18m x 4m wall adjacent to Primark, the mural was entirely constructed using approximately 80,000 plastic bottle lids donated by the local community over a five-month collection period. The striking artwork also features 100% recycled plastic boards and donated screws, further highlighting the environmental message.
Fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this unique piece of public art not only demonstrates the beauty of creative expression, but also underscores the pressing need for ecological responsibility. By transforming discarded plastic waste into a vibrant, large-scale mural, Merseyway and Plastic Shed have sent a powerful message about the importance of reducing plastic waste and the role the community can play in making a difference.
Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway said,
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have our collaboration with Plastic Shed acknowledged with this prestigious award. At Merseyway, helping and inspiring our local community is at the heart of everything we do, and this collaborative project demonstrates how creativity and environmental advocacy can come together to create something truly impactful. The mural is not only a stunning piece of art but also a reminder of the importance of reducing plastic waste and protecting our environment.
“With over 13 billion plastic bottles used every year in the UK and only around half of these being recycled, we hope this mural inspires others to think about the impact of plastic waste and how we can all contribute to protecting our planet.”
The award will be presented to Victoria Nichol and Operations Manager, Mo Shirazi, at a prestigious ceremony at The Orangery in Kensington Palace, West London, on Monday 18th November 2024.
Kensington Palace, a historic residence of the British Royal Family for more than 300 years, has recently reopened The Orangery after an extensive restoration. The Green Apple Environment Awards are one of only 20 invitation-only events permitted at this exclusive venue this year, making the recognition even more special for the Merseyway team.
The creation of the mural is part of Merseyway Shopping Centre’s ongoing dedication to integrating sustainable practices into its operations. The centre is committed to exploring innovative environmental solutions, from waste reduction and energy efficiency to community-focused projects that inspire positive environmental change.
For more information about the mural and Merseyway’s sustainability initiatives, please visit www.merseyway.com.
