Our journey towards zero-waste weaving began with a simple yet powerful realization: we were accumulating a growing number of textile waste from manufacturing off-cuts. We want to be part of the environmental solution addressing fashion as a huge pollutant in the world.
Our intention to grow our environmental commitment led us to collaborate with Textile Designer Jessica Ouano and our partner Hablonan ni Lauriana to take on the challenge of weaving textile waste. In 2016, the zero waste weaves came to fruition and evolved in different patterns, textures, and designs. We have found an effective solution and circularity became our niche.
The growing innovation became so successful that we ran out of fabric scraps to upcycle. So in January 2024, we began the year by launching an online Community Call for Scraps. To our surprise, it resonated with our community and everyone amplified the campaign among their respective networks.
Partnerships for Change
To expand our reach, we partnered with Roots Collective to become our designated collection point in Metro Manila. Back to Basics Ecostore followed suit and joined our mission drop-off center in Quezon City, allowing us to foster greater community involvement.
The response we received from the community was nothing short of inspiring. Over just two months, we collected an incredible 1,994 kilos of textile scraps from Metro Manila and beyond. Each piece was carefully sorted by color, allowing us to process these materials efficiently and fully utilize their potential.
Empowering Communities
This initiative went beyond just upcycling, it was also our way of using waste to provide alternative livelihood to low-skilled artisans. We provided Php 246,862 income to six families who participated in hand-cutting strips of textile waste. These fabric strips were then transported to our partner Hablonan Ni Lauriana benefiting an additional 15 artisans who were ready and eager to turn these into beautifully woven fabrics. We are committed to adding value to every individual within our supply chain, ensuring that everyone benefits from our collaborative efforts.
Transforming Waste into Worth
After meticulously sorting through textile waste, we had successfully transformed 1,092.75 kilos of fabric scraps, into 2,226.28 meters of our signature zero-waste weaves. These weaves are more than just visually stunning textile masterpieces—they embody innovation, circularity, and the collective strength of our community.
While we take pride in the success of our Community Call for Scraps campaign is a testament to the power of shared action, our journey toward zero waste continues. This milestone would not have been possible without the skilled hands and dedication of our artisans, who breathe new life into discarded materials. Every repurposed piece is not just a creative transformation—it’s a source of livelihood for the talented individuals behind each weave.
By upcycling textile waste into high-quality weaves, we’re not just reducing landfill waste—we’re pioneering a more circular and responsible approach to fashion. Each textile carries a story of resilience and craftsmanship, proving that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
This campaign has shown that even a small act—donating fabric scraps—can create a ripple effect of meaningful change. It’s more than just giving away unused textiles; it’s about joining a movement that values sustainability, empowers communities, and redefines waste as an opportunity.
Together, let’s continue weaving a future where waste is transformed into opportunities for our partner communities to flourish.