wedding rice repurposes non-edible grains for ceremonial use against food waste

Wedding Rice improves the sustainability of wedding practices

The Wedding Rice is the first product developed by McCann Worldgroup Greece to specifically repurpose non-edible rice for ceremonial use during weddings. In Greece, where over 50,000 weddings occur annually, the tradition of throwing rice symbolizes prosperity and fertility. This widespread practice results in significant quantities of edible rice being discarded, despite ongoing challenges faced by Greek rice producers in meeting food supply demands.

all images by Panos Pagonis

the project establishes a new lifecycle for non-edible rice

To address this issue, McCann Worldgroup Greece, in collaboration with Wikifarmer and the Primary Agricultural Cooperative of Chalastra, developed The Wedding Rice. This product repurposes rice unsuitable for consumption, redirecting it toward a specific cultural function. The initiative provides a practical and cost-effective alternative that contributes to reducing food waste and supports local agricultural systems.

Distributed through the Wikifarmer platform at a reduced price, The Wedding Rice aims to improve the sustainability of wedding practices without altering cultural customs. By utilizing rice that would otherwise go to waste, the project establishes a new lifecycle for the product, aligning traditional rituals with contemporary environmental considerations.

non-edible rice offers a more sustainable option for wedding rituals

the Wedding Rice is designed specifically for ceremonial use in weddings

a practical solution that maintains tradition while promoting sustainability

project info:

name: The Wedding Rice
developer: McCann Worldgroup Greece | @mccannathens

design team: Panos Pagonis | @panospagonis, Michalis Alexiou, Vivian Kalomoiri, Konstantinos Tsagkakos

collaborators: Wikifarmer | @wikifarmer, Primary Agricultural Cooperative of Chalastra

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom