What was once used to transport mail now takes on a new life as a fashion accessory. The initiative, led by the Instituto Moinho Cultural (Moinho Cultural Institute) in partnership with artisan Lucienne Lopes and support from Sebrae/MS, repurposes old Correios (Brazilian Postal Service) mail bags to create sustainable pieces, complete with embroidery of Pantanal animals and plenty of stories to tell.

The material, which had already fallen out of use, was transformed into about 150 exclusive items: 50 mini backpacks, 50 crossbody bags and 50 toiletry bags, all with a strong regional identity. The pieces also carry a social role: part of the proceeds helps fund the activities of the Moinho Cultural, which has worked for more than 20 years on the border with initiatives focused on art, education and creative entrepreneurship.

“This project brings together sustainability, entrepreneurship and social impact. It’s a way of turning waste into opportunity, showing that fashion and awareness can go hand in hand,” says Mônica Macedo, director of the Institute.

Lucienne Lopes turns Correios mail bags into accessories embroidered with Pantanal motifs

Lucienne, who started sewing in 2008 in courses offered by Moinho Cultural itself, now leads a workshop recognized for its distinctive style. The products are handmade and embroidered with animals typical of the Pantanal, such as macaws, jaguars, capybaras and anteaters.

“In the beginning I made simple pieces, but no one was interested. Then I saw a towel embroidered with a capybara, and that inspired me to create my own designs. That became my trademark,” says Lucienne.

The artisan’s work has caught attention and will cross borders: she was invited to represent the project at COP30, which takes place in Belém (PA). “Everything goes with a little piece of the Pantanal. Each piece has a story, an animal, a memory of our home. It’s moving to be able to show this to the world,” she says.

The partnership with Sebrae came through the Move Mais program, aimed at small entrepreneurs. Technical support helped solve one of the workshop’s main challenges: access to raw materials. From there came the idea of repurposing the canvas mail bags.

“Lu Lopes was already doing incredible work. What we did was connect her with the Moinho Cultural to expand production and open new markets. It’s a clear example of how networking strengthens both the business and its purpose,” explains Isabella Montello, manager of Competitiveness and Innovation at Sebrae/MS.

As part of the agreement, for every ten pieces produced, one is donated to the Institute’s collaborative store. The initiative closes a cycle that combines income generation, material reuse and social impact.

In addition to COP30, the products can be found on the Lú Lopes Ateliê social media and at craft fairs in Campo Grande.