October 15, 2024

Fusion Fashion Tech Summit: Sustainable Fashion Innovations | The VEERAH Blog

Discover How Recycling, NFC Technology, and end-of-life programs are Transforming the Fashion Industry for a Greener Future.

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Slow Fashion Times article ft my Diamond Dust Hedy Ankle Boots made from recycled glitter front and center!

Hello, My Dear Fellow Warriors!

My name is Rose, and I am the Customer Experience and Operations Warrior at VEERAH. This past September, during Climate Week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Fusion Fashion Tech Summit, an inspiring event organized by Ambriel Pouncy, a visionary leader at the intersection of fashion, technology, and culture. Ambriel's commitment to driving circular, sustainable, and inclusive advancements in fashion—while aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—brought together a remarkable group of innovative entrepreneurs and thought leaders. The discussions centered around the future of sustainability and innovation in fashion, sparking new ideas and perspectives. 

Here are three groundbreaking initiatives that are making significant strides in the industry:

Cleo Escarez, founder of Redyoos, is a pioneer in jewelry recycling, promoting sustainable practices that give new life to old pieces while minimizing waste

1. Recycling Jewelry for a Circular Economy:

Cleo Escarez, the founder of Redyoos, highlighted the jewelry industry's challenges regarding sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many brands are now advocating for recycling old jewelry to minimize waste and promote a circular economy, allowing consumers to give their cherished pieces a new life instead of letting them gather dust or end up in landfills.

Redyoos encourages customers to recycle their unwanted jewelry, giving these pieces a second life by donating them to nonprofits that sell the items to fund community projects like job training and education. Alternatively, precious metals can be refined to support clean technology initiatives. This approach allows consumers to declutter their jewelry while positively impacting society and the environment—a true win-win

Robin Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Evermore Labs, is revolutionizing the fashion industry with NFC technology.

2. NFC Tagging for Transparency:

Robin Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Evermore Labs, spoke about how Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is revolutionizing our interaction with clothing. Many brands are now incorporating NFC tags into their garments, providing consumers with instant access to information about the item's origin, care instructions, and sustainability practices.

These tags can be scanned with a smartphone, allowing consumers to learn about the materials used, the production process, and even the carbon footprint of the item. By increasing transparency, NFC tagging empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their purchases and encourages brands to uphold ethical practices. This initiative fosters a deeper connection between consumers and their clothing, promoting a sense of responsibility for the items they choose to buy.

Irys Kornbluth, COO of Everywhere Apparel, is at the forefront of fashion innovation

3. A Sustainable Shopping Experience: Closing the Loop on Fashion Waste

The rise of online shopping has transformed the retail landscape, offering convenience and accessibility, but it also poses significant challenges for sustainability. A large portion of returns stem from sizing issues and style mismatches, leading to increased waste and a growing environmental footprint.

Irys Kornbluth, COO of Everywhere Apparel, highlighted at the summit how their brand is tackling this issue by implementing an 'end of life' approach to their garments. Each item comes with a QR code, making it easy for customers to return products at the end of their use. These items are then responsibly recycled, with the first priority being to turn them into new textiles. If recycling isn’t possible, the garments are downcycled into industrial products like insulation, ensuring a minimal environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, as the fashion industry continues to innovate, initiatives like recycling jewelry, NFC tagging, and end-of-life programs are paving the way for a more sustainable future. By supporting brands that prioritize these practices, consumers can play an essential role in driving change within the industry. Together, we can embrace sustainability and make more conscious choices that benefit both our wardrobes and the planet.

Keep Killin’ It With Kindness,

Rose

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