The ReBlack Project
From a Flat Tire to a Fierce Idea
Hi, I’m the founder of ReBlack — an upcycling project that turns old motorcycle tires into bold, badass jewelry and fashion accessories.
But this isn’t just about style — it’s about story, sustainability, and giving waste a second chance at life.
Where It All Began
I grew up in sunny Goa, India, where motorcycles weren’t just a way to get around — they were a way of life. I started riding a tiny scooter at 7, just to grab milk and errands for my mom. By 11, I was cruising through Goan villages on geared bikes,No helmets, no licenses, just flip-flops and red dust. (Don’t worry, times have changed!)
It was freedom. No helmets, no shoes, just flip-flops, beach clothes, and the open road. It was a very different time — simple, raw, and unforgettable.
When I moved to Germany, everything changed. I got my proper driving license and started exploring European roads on a BMW GS F 650 Dakar. That beast taught me what real riding feels like — 140 km/h on the autobahn was a far cry from dodging animals on Indian village roads. It gave me a new kind of respect for roads, bikes, and what we ride on — tires.
One Flat Tire Changed Everything
One day, riding in Berlin, I got a flat tire. Back in India, I would’ve pushed my bike to the nearest roadside mechanic. But in Germany, that wasn’t an option. I rolled it to a gas station, pumped it up just enough. Thankfully the air remained inside till I could drive it to my trusted mechanic.
A day later, the shop called. They couldn’t find the hole, so they swapped it out.
“Should we throw the old one away?” they asked.
“Nope,” I said. “I’ll do something with it.”
At the time, I was selling eco-friendly products at local markets, and zero-waste had already become a big part of my life. That night, lying in bed, an idea struck me:
What if I engraved designs onto the tire rubber? Could it work? Could it be… wearable art?
The next day, I tried it — and it worked beautifully.
That’s when ReBlack was born.
What ReBlack Means
ReBlack stands for Recycled + Black — black being the color of the tires, and the sleek, edgy aesthetic of the pieces I create.
This material is magical — strong like leather, flexible like latex, and completely vegan. It’s tough, sexy, and sustainable. The more I worked with it, the more I realized its potential. Rings, earrings, necklaces, cuffs — the ideas just kept flowing.
Why It Matters
Tires are one of the world’s most overlooked waste problems. They make up nearly 2% of global waste, and when dumped or burned, they become an environmental disaster.
Every year, over 300 million tires are discarded in the EU alone.
In less than a year, I’ve saved over 700 tires from landfill or incineration — and I’m just getting started.
I even reuse my scraps, and anything too small to work with goes back to my mechanic, where a company called Schwalbe collects it for further recycling.
Let’s ReThink Waste
ReBlack is more than a brand — it’s a way of living.
To Recycle, Reuse, and Upcycle wherever we can.
To turn waste into beauty, and pollution into purpose.
If we all shift a little, the planet shifts with us.
Thanks for being here — now let’s go save some tires (and look amazing doing it).
Want to geek out about tire waste and recycling? Read the blog here.
