O.U.A.T.

Name: Bugg Off Handpoured Soy Wax Candle Natural Insect Repellent Candle
Brand: O.U.A.T.
SKU: 0BF11
Price: 1299.0 INR

From Waste to Wonder

Introducing O.U.A.T (Once Upon A Time), an upcycling startup based in Goa. We transform discarded wine bottles into premium drinking glassware ideal for corporate gifting, hospitality, and sustainability-focused initiatives. Through our initiative, we collect used glassware from restaurants, scrap yards, and residents and upcycle them into a wide range of products: glassware for cafes & restaurants, Soy candles, storage jars, jewellery, lighting, and home décor items, providing sustainable options while supporting the circular economy.

About O.U.A.T.

O.U.A.T. (Once Upon A Time) is a women-owned sustainable brand based in Goa that transforms discarded glass bottles into functional lifestyle products and premium glassware. The brand began with a simple purpose to see waste as a resource and give discarded bottles a second life through thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Rooted in circular economy principles, we collect used glass locally and upcycle it into everyday products that reduce waste and encourage responsible consumption. Our brand ethics focus on circular design, conscious production, and supporting local artisans while creating sustainable alternatives for homes, hospitality, and corporate gifting. Impact per kg of upcycled glass approx • 1.2 kg raw materials saved • 0.105 kg fuel saved • 0.9 kg CO₂ emissions reduced. Till now, we have been able to upcycle close to 4000 bottles so far. Currently, we are supplying to Marriott Fairfield, Alila Diwa, and the Government of Goa for Gifting.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to upcycle as much glass as possible and reduce carbon footprint. Reduce Reuse&Upcycle.

Impact Created

Impact per kg of upcycled glass approx • 1.2 kg raw materials saved • 0.105 kg fuel saved • 0.9 kg CO₂ emissions reduced. Till now, we have been able to upcycle close to 4000 bottles so far.

Impact Metric

The organization has created employment opportunities for 3 individuals, contributing to livelihood generation and small-scale economic growth. It has also empowered 3 artisans, supporting traditional craftsmanship and providing them with meaningful opportunities. Additionally, the workforce includes 2 women employees, reflecting the organization’s efforts toward encouraging women’s participation and inclusive employment.

What are the causes you support?

Cruelty Free, Fair Trade / Ethical, Wage, Upcycling Materials, Women Owned Business

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What is the manufacturing process?

At O.U.A.T., our manufacturing process begins with the local collection of discarded glass bottles from restaurants, scrap yards, and households. The bottles are carefully sorted and thoroughly cleaned to remove labels, residues, and impurities. Once cleaned, the bottles are precisely cut to create the desired form for different products such as drinking glasses, candle containers, or storage jars. The cut edges are then sanded and polished to ensure smooth, safe, and durable finishes suitable for everyday use.

What are the ingredients/materials you use?

Made from reclaimed glass bottles, natural soy wax, cotton wick, and safe fragrance & essential oils an eco-friendly candle crafted from waste to create a cleaner, sustainable burn

How do you source your raw materials/ ingredients?

Bottles are collected locally from restaurants, scrapyards, and residents. Each bottle is carefully cleaned, scratches removed, and prepared for processing into new products. Depending on the size and dimensions of the bottles we decide the products.

During its life and beyond, can your products be repurposed or composted at home?

Glass lasts for eternity. Once the candle is finished, the container can be reused as a planter, storage jar, or décor piece giving the bottle a new life beyond the candle. These glasswares can be used as daily function item for storing various snacks as it comes with a wooden air-tight lid.

Founded by Atika Gaur

Atika Gaur is a Goa-based artist and the founder of O.U.A.T. (Once Upon A Time), a sustainable brand that transforms discarded glass bottles into functional lifestyle products. Her journey began with a simple curiosity about waste and the potential it holds when viewed through the lens of design and sustainability. Over the course of more than a year, Atika dedicated herself to understanding glass as a material studying its physical and chemical properties, how different bottles behave when cut, shaped, and repurposed, and how these variations influence design possibilities. Through extensive experimentation and hands-on learning, she developed techniques to safely and effectively transform waste glass into functional products.