Moiz Abbas
Dipendra Adhikari
Acadia University
Kent Williams
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Waseem and Partners is a silver business that repurposes old silver into new, high-quality products like jewelry and utensils. By recycling silver, they reduce waste and minimize the need for new raw materials, contributing to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This innovative approach promotes sustainability and offers customers eco-friendly alternatives to newly mined silver.
Waseem and Partners has introduced an innovative solution that focuses on repurposing old silver to create new, high-quality products, including jewelry and utensils. Instead of sourcing new silver, the business buys old silver items like jewelry and utensils, which are then melted down and transformed into new products. This approach not only minimizes waste but also reduces the environmental impact of silver mining, contributing directly to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By recycling silver, the business helps close the loop on the silver supply chain, promoting a circular economy.
The business was founded by the owner’s father, who started making jewelry at home. Over time, the owner joined the business, bringing his vision of sustainability into the company. The innovation emerged as a response to the growing concern over environmental sustainability and the impact of resource extraction. By offering recycled silver grains, the business empowers customers to create their jewelry, further promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, the silver is ethically sourced from trusted suppliers in Dubai and Italy, ensuring fair trade practices and responsible sourcing.
The specific solution this business provides is innovative because it not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with silver mining but also offers a practical, eco-friendly alternative to traditional silver products. Through this approach, the business supports both environmental sustainability and the global effort to reduce waste, creating a better world for future generations.
The inspiration behind Waseem and Partners' innovation stems from a deep family legacy and a desire to create a positive environmental impact. The business was originally started by the owner’s father, who worked tirelessly to build the foundation of the company through traditional silver craftsmanship.
The owner, inspired by his father’s work ethic, was motivated to expand the business while introducing sustainability into the company’s operations. The owner shared: “Growing up, I always watched my father work with passion, handcrafting each piece of jewelry. It made me realize that I wanted to carry on this tradition, but in a way that would be sustainable for the future.”
This desire to preserve the family business while adapting it for a sustainable future led to the decision to repurpose old silver rather than purchase newly mined materials.
The owner continued: “I wanted to make sure that we’re not just continuing the family legacy, but also making a meaningful difference for the environment. Using recycled silver was the natural choice to reduce waste and promote responsible consumption.”
The focus on sustainability also ties into the owner's broader vision of social responsibility. “It’s about more than just making a product; it’s about creating a business that does good for the environment and the community. I believe this approach can make a real impact on future generations,” he said.
This drive to innovate while staying true to the company’s roots has resulted in an innovative solution that not only preserves tradition but also addresses urgent global environmental issues.
The innovation of repurposing old silver has already had significant short-term effects on the business, including a noticeable increase in customer interest and sales growth. The shift to using recycled silver has positioned the business as a leader in sustainability within the local silver market. Customers have responded positively to the eco-friendly aspect of the products, and sales of recycled silver jewelry have risen steadily.
As the owner shared, “We’ve seen a clear increase in customer interest and sales since we started focusing on sustainability. People want to support businesses that align with their values.”
In the long term, Waseem and Partners is poised for sustainable growth. The decision to repurpose silver has opened new opportunities for expansion, including the potential to enter new markets. The owner plans to expand the business further by launching a website, which will allow them to reach a broader audience beyond their local community. This move is expected to increase visibility, attract new customers, and grow revenue. Additionally, the long-term goal is to scale the innovation, making it possible for other businesses to adopt similar sustainable practices. The owner aims to track their environmental impact, with plans to implement data-driven systems to monitor reductions in waste and carbon emissions as the business grows.
Evidence of the impact can be seen in the growing customer base and the positive feedback received. The increased demand for recycled silver products shows that the business is meeting a real market need for more sustainable options, suggesting that this innovation will continue to have a positive impact on both the business and the environment.
Because the business shifted to repurposing old silver instead of relying on newly mined materials, several positive outcomes have followed. First, revenue has increased due to the growing demand for eco-friendly silver products. The business’s unique selling point—sustainability—has attracted a dedicated customer base that values environmentally conscious alternatives. The owner explained, “Since we introduced recycled silver, we’ve seen a boost in sales, especially from customers who are passionate about sustainability.” This innovative approach has not only raised revenue but also opened new markets, allowing the business to reach customers who prioritize sustainable practices.
Additionally, the innovation has had a positive impact on the business’s internal operations. The owner plans to hire more employees as the business grows, particularly as they look to expand their operations and reach more customers through the website and inventory tracking systems. The business is committed to hiring locally and providing jobs to skilled workers in the silver industry. The owner emphasized, “As we scale, we’ll continue to create jobs in the community, ensuring that our growth benefits both the business and the local economy.” Moreover, the focus on sustainability has improved employee well-being, as the team feels connected to the company’s mission and values, fostering a sense of purpose in their work.
In the long term, the innovation has also opened investment opportunities by positioning Waseem and Partners as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible brand. The owner believes that potential investors will recognize the value in a business that is not only profitable but also aligned with sustainable development goals.
This innovation benefits society and the environment by significantly reducing waste and promoting sustainability in the silver industry. By repurposing old silver, the business helps to divert a significant amount of waste from landfills, reducing the environmental burden associated with silver mining and production. This approach also minimizes the need for new raw materials, which is a key aspect of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. As the owner explained, “Recycling silver not only helps the environment but also gives customers a more eco-friendly option when purchasing jewelry and other products.” By using recycled silver, the business actively contributes to reducing resource extraction, which is often harmful to ecosystems and communities near mining sites.
The social impact is equally significant. Waseem and Partners not only provides eco-friendly products but also contributes to the local community through charitable activities. During Ramadan, the business donates food to those in need, and it regularly supports local mosques. These efforts reflect the business’s commitment to social responsibility, showing that profitability doesn’t have to come at the expense of the community.
The owner mentioned, “Our goal is not only to grow the business but to ensure we’re giving back to the community, especially in times of need.”
By choosing to operate sustainably, Waseem and Partners also helps inspire other companies to adopt ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious practices, thus contributing to a larger societal shift toward sustainability and responsible business operations. The long-term benefits of this innovation will continue to have a positive impact on both society and the environment, fostering a more sustainable and ethical market.
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Waseem & Partners is a shop specializing in silver and tools in the sale of high-quality silver products, including Omani Khanjar, traditional jewelry, and silver grains. The business has been in operation for years, offering customers the opportunity to buy old silver products or custom make their own jewelry from recycled silver. With a focus on sustainability, the company prides itself on repurposing old silver and supporting ethical sourcing practices, while also offering customers the chance to create their own pieces.
