Are Medals a Three-Second Glory?
Your first medal is priceless. But as a season veteran, the glory fades fast. After the race, many medals sit on shelves—or disappear into boxes. As a medal maker for over a decade, we’ve seen this cycle. That’s why we created the Repurpose Project:
TO DESIGN MEDALS WITH LASTING IMPACT.
- Message From Founder
That realization led to The Repurpose Project — an initiative to rethink how medals are made, used, and reborn. By turning post-event waste into new possibilities, we aim to close the loop between celebration and sustainability, proving that recognition can also be responsible. “
– Sean Leow, Founder of Medalab –
Here’s how we’re making a difference
Two pillars: design greener awards up-front, and give existing medals a second life.
Medal Innovation
To reimagine medals with a built-in second life, making them functional, biodegradable, or regenerative beyond their symbolic value.
Circular Economy
To embed circularity into the lifecycle of medals by keeping materials in use, designing out waste, and regenerating value.
Our Progress So Far
These numbers represent more than statistics — they show the beginning of real change. By working with event organizers and participants, we’ve already given new life to thousands of medals and avoided more CO₂ emissions. While still early days, this pilot proves that small, collective actions can add up to measurable impact — and we’re only just getting started.
Our Case Studies
COMING SOON
Each event tells a story of collaboration, innovation, and impact. Through our case studies, we showcase how organizers, sponsors, and participants come together to make sustainable celebrations possible — from reducing material waste to integrating circular design and post-event recycling. These real-world examples highlight how the Repurpose Project turns ideas into measurable action, proving that every medal can leave a lasting legacy beyond the finish line.
How You Can Make A Difference
Every small action adds up to a big impact. Your choices can help extend the life of medals and reduce waste. By collecting, reusing, or repurposing medals, you’re not just closing the loop—you’re creating a ripple of awareness that inspires others to join the movement toward a more circular, responsible, and sustainable sporting community.
- Event Organiser
- Lead the movement toward sustainable and responsible events.
- Set up medal return zones at finish lines to keep materials in circulation.
- Inspire participants, sponsors, and the community with visible, measurable impact.
- Corporate
Turn your CSR commitments into real community impact.
Support green initiatives through employee drives and event sponsorships.
Be recognised as a brand that leads with purpose, responsibility, and heart.
- Sports Person
Join events that care for people and the planet.
Return your medals to give them a second life and reduce event waste.
Be part of a growing community proving that every finish line can spark change.
- Message From Founder
” When we first started Medalab in 2014, our mission was simple: to craft meaningful medals that celebrate human achievement. But over time, we began noticing a deeper issue. After the excitement of an event fades, many medals end up stored away, forgotten, or eventually discarded. It didn’t sit right with us — because the symbols of success shouldn’t become waste.
That realization led to The Repurpose Project — an initiative to rethink how medals are made, used, and reborn. By turning post-event waste into new possibilities, we aim to close the loop between celebration and sustainability, proving that recognition can also be responsible. “
– Sean Leow, Founder of Medalab –
