Art meets recycling: Glasgow's new spectacle, "Bottlecelli" mural, graces the city skyline!

On March 7, 2024, a monumental mural from over 30,000 bottle caps was unveiled in Glasgow. The mural, inspired by the renowned Italian artist Sandro Botticelli, was crafted using caps.

The artwork, aptly named "Bottlecelli," stands at an impressive 25 feet tall and was commissioned by the supermarket chain Lidl. It commemorates the recycling of 253,000 PET plastic and aluminium containers through the brand's return scheme pilot, launched in February.

This colossal masterpiece, aimed at "turning trash into treasure," reimagines Botticelli's iconic Birth of Venus. Its purpose is to inspire more shoppers and passersby to participate in efforts to reduce plastic pollution actively.

Lidl has collaborated with renowned mural artist Smug and Yardworks, the graffiti program at SWG3 in Glasgow's West End, Scotland's premier multi-disciplinary arts venue, to execute the project.

Laura Frood, engagement and participation lead at SWG3 Glasgow, expressed, "It has been a delightful experience collaborating with Lidl, Sam (Smug), and the broader team at SWG3 to bring 'Bottlecelli' to life over the past month.”

"The mural is visually stunning and showcases the remarkable talent of the artists and students who transformed waste bottle caps into art.”

"Moreover, this partnership has facilitated investment in our Yardworks Program and street art festival, which is scheduled for May 4-5."

The artwork is adorned with bottle caps slated for recycling and those already recycled through the initiative.

Marco Ivone, Lidl's regional director overseeing operations in Scotland, expressed excitement about the enthusiastic reception to their pilot return scheme since its launch last month. Dubbed 'Bottlecelli', this initiative aims to give back to the Glasgow community.

Recognising Lidl's customers' shared commitment to sustainability and saving money, Ivone hopes for broader participation in these schemes. Lidl's return scheme pilot, initiated in February, will continue until August, demonstrating the company's ongoing investment in convenient recycling solutions.

Customers participating in the trial scheme are entitled to a 5p reward for each qualifying item they return. This reward can be utilised towards their weekly purchases or contributed to the charitable efforts of the supermarket's partner, The STV Children's Appeal.

The supermarket expects the trial initiative to lead to a minimum monthly recycling of 10.5 tonnes of plastic and aluminium materials. These materials will be collected and repurposed to manufacture new plastic and aluminium products.