Career change in France: from plastics to creative recycling

After studying Polymer Science at Manchester University in the 1980s, I started my first job as a materials and quality manager for a firm in Durham in 1989. My time was spent overseeing projects and looking at how plastics were used within the industry.

Ten years on, aged 37, my role evolved. The company set up a group tech centre in Soustons, in the Landes department of France, and I was given responsibility for overseeing projects over 15 different countries from that base.

This meant a move to France for myself, my wife Maria and our son Oliver, then three, in 1999 – and I soon found myself going to French lessons again for the first time since school. I enjoyed my new role; although there was a lot of travelling, it was an interesting and engaging job.

Right fit

The company changed hands a few times over the years, and in 2019 I was moved to a new base in Paris. I was far from my family and we were not in a position where we wanted to move. The job stopped feeling like the right fit for me.

I was in my late 50s and just a few years away from retirement, so decided to try my hand at something new. With the mortgage paid off and the children Oliver and Josephine (born 2001) now grown up,, I did not need to earn as much and the element of risk was much smaller. Plus, I knew what I wanted to do.

During my time working in the plastics industry, I had seen many recycling and repurposing initiatives. Doing this research really opened my eyes to the way we live these days – we are very much a ‘throw-away’ society and the way we live is becoming unsustainable. I really wanted to do something that, in its own small way, made a difference – and perhaps inspired others too.

Part of my job in plastics was to keep up with the latest technology in this field, and I had learned through my work that although recycling is great, it is even better for the environment if we find a way to repurpose and reuse items.

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Lamps

I began to look at some of the items we had in the house and think how they might be used differently. In doing so I realised that many vintage and antique items can be converted into quirky and stylish lamps. I began to source items from vide-greniers and brocantes, and found that I had a knack for bringing new life to old artefacts.

I went on an electrical safety course with the Chambre de Métiers in 2019 to ensure my work met the CE safety standards for electrical lamps. Then I registered as an auto-entrepreneur and set up my own Facebook page and Etsy shop, under the name ‘Upcycled lamps and more.’

I love the challenge of discovering something abandoned and obsolete and bringing out its beauty. I have created stylish lamps from items as diverse as old metal mincers, kitchen scales and antique irons!

In 2023, I was looking for new ideas and joined the Fablab in Soustons where I learned some basic skills using their laser cutter and engraver, before investing in my own small laser engraver. 

I now create a variety of items including coasters and name plaques using this technique and often sell to bars and restaurants who love the quirky, branded materials I can create. 

The same year I was able to join the Interstices sud Aquitaine, a non-profit organisation that helps entrepreneurs develop their businesses. I am able to use their VAT number and get support with taxes – and I am also covered by their insurance. 

The support and knowledge I gained were invaluable – and crucial to helping me widen my scope and sell to businesses as well as individuals. I would recommend anyone setting up their own business to check them out. 

Online store

I expanded my range and opened a new Etsy store: maisonvieillecrafts.

In 2023, I decided to try the local Christmas markets. I registered for three and did a roaring trade. I am aiming to hit them again this year and am already working on my Christmas stock.

My business remains quite small, and I am lucky that I have now started to receive my French pension, which provides a back-up income. 

The businesses supplement this and I hope to continue until I receive my UK pension at 67, and perhaps beyond.

Seeing first-hand how much plastic was being put onto the market and how little was recycled fuelled my passion for creating reusable items. And the satisfaction I get from taking something old and giving it a brand new life is immeasurable.