At Wayco, we believe in ideas that change things. In projects that arise from the conviction that another way of doing business, one that is more humane, more conscious and more sustainable, is possible. That is why, every year, we promote the Beca Wayco, an initiative that supports purpose-driven entrepreneurs by offering them a space and a community in which to grow.
In the 2025 edition, one of the winners was María Romá, co-founder of La Vidrioteca, an artisanal eco-design project that transforms glass bottles into decorative items and household goods full of beauty, meaning and respect for the planet.
An idea that was born far away, but with roots very close to home
The story of La Vidrioteca begins at the end of 2023, when María and David were still living in France, where they had spent the last eleven years before returning to their homeland, the province of Valencia, in July 2024.
During that time, both dreamed of creating a project aligned with their values: a sustainable, circular business model based on the use of existing resources. They wanted to start a business that was consistent with their worldview: production that respects the planet and people, powered by renewable energy and guided by ethical and responsible consumption.
In addition to this environmental commitment, they were also looking for a project that would allow them to express their creativity and passion for design.. This is how La Vidrioteca was born: the perfect fusion of sustainability, aesthetics and purpose.
‘When we came up with the idea of making designer objects from bottles that would otherwise be considered waste, we felt we had found our path,’ explains María. ‘It was a way to bring beauty and, at the same time, generate a positive impact.’
After several market studies and a consolidation process that had previously fallen by the wayside, the project took definitive shape and was officially launched in November 2024 in the municipality of Serra (Valencia).
Local impact and circularity: transforming from the ground up
From the outset, María and David were clear that they wanted to have a positive impact wherever they settled. Before moving, they contacted the Serra Town Council to seek institutional support and design a local collaboration strategy.
Today, La Vidrioteca works with local bars, restaurants and wineries to collect bottles that are then transformed into glasses, jugs, vases, trays and other household and decorative items. Each piece embodies a story of transformation: what was once waste is now back on the table with a new identity.
But its impact goes beyond productivity. La Vidrioteca also organises exhibitions, workshops and awareness-raising activities on sustainability, waste management and responsible consumption. These are public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting a more conscious community that is committed to the environment.
Its vision is clear: to establish itself as a provincial and regional benchmark in sustainable design tableware, especially in the HORECA sector, collaborating with restaurants and hotels that want to incorporate sustainability into their value proposition and customer experience.
Circular and collaborative design: 360º projects
In addition to its product catalogue, La Vidrioteca offers a personalised support service to help its customers choose the creations that best suit their space or even co-create unique pieces.
One of its most innovative initiatives is the so-called ‘360° Projects’, in which they manufacture specific objects for premises using bottles that have been consumed there. The result is a complete circularity experience, where each creation tells the story of the space itself and reinforces the link between the place, design and sustainability.
Much more than household goods: a new way of looking at consumption
La Vidrioteca’s products are not simply everyday objects. Behind each piece lies a profound reflection on the current model of consumption and the need to rethink our relationship with materials and waste. The aim is not only to offer a beautiful and functional product, but also to raise awareness and encourage a cultural shift towards more sustainable habits.
‘We want to reach people who already care about the environment, but also inspire those who don’t yet,’ says María. ‘We believe that design can be a powerful vehicle for transforming the way we look at the world.’
A community that drives change
Thanks to the Wayco 2025 Grant, María will be able to develop her project surrounded by a creative and collaborative community. ‘Wayco’s space and ecosystem allow us to connect with other entrepreneurs, learn and continue to grow without losing our essence,’ she explains.
At Wayco, we are proud to support projects such as La Vidrioteca, which demonstrate that sustainability is not at odds with beauty or innovation. It is initiatives like these that inspire and give meaning to our commitment to more responsible, conscious and humane entrepreneurship.
Find out more about her work at lavidrioteca.com. And don’t miss the full interview with María on our Instagram.
If you also have a project with a purpose, the next Wayco Grant could be your opportunity.
