Clothes that you don't like to wear or just don't fit anymore, everyone will have them sooner or later. Many startups have made it their mission to breathe new life into old clothes and avoid wasting resources while doing so. Today we introduce you to three of them that are doing just that: NONOI Studio, Bridge&Tunnel and recyclehero.
NONOI Studio makes old clothes fashionable again
The name of Sophie Koop and Katharina Rybakov's fashion startup says it all. NONOI stands for "nothing new." The startup uses old clothes made of high-quality materials such as cashmere, linen or wool to create new pieces through upcycling. By using used clothes, the new garments are only available in limited numbers and therefore something extraordinary. In addition, the startup produces locally in Hamburg under fair conditions and contributes to the circular economy through the NONOI concept.
At Bridge&Tunnel, social business meets fashion startup
Bridge&Tunnel is a social fashion label based in Wilhelmsburg and produces new garments, accessories and home items from various old textiles. The material comes from cooperations with clothing chambers, private individuals or surplus production. The vision of the fashion startup is to create a sustainable label while giving socially disadvantaged but talented people a job. The founders Contanze Klotz and Hannah Erhorn have been implementing this idea since 2016 already and employ seamstresses from various backgrounds in the production team who previously had problems finding a job on the labor market.
recyclehero picks up old clothes directly at home
The two startups mentioned above use old textiles to make new clothes. The startup recyclehero is responsible, among other things, for the procurement of such resources. Already since 2018, recyclehero has taken over the disposal of recyclables for companies and private households, including old clothes. These are picked up directly at home or at the company and then sorted to the right places. Well-preserved clothing arrives at the partner 2nd Fit, which also works with Hanseatic Help e.V..Through this, resources can be saved and clothes only need to travel a short way instead of being shipped overseas. In addition, recyclehero prefers to hire long-term unemployed or refugees who previously had difficulty finding a job.
