In the face of environmental challenges posed by fast fashion, innovative home-grown businesses in Africa are stepping up to create a sustainable textile industry.
Upcycling, the process of transforming discarded clothing into desirable products, is gaining momentum in countries like Kenya, where social enterprise Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) is leading the charge.
A Response to Environmental Damage
ACT operates out of Nairobi, employing women to repurpose fashion waste into new products. Each year, Kenya imports approximately 200,000 tonnes of used textiles, much of which ends up in landfills.
This waste not only takes years to decompose but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and contaminates soil and groundwater with toxic chemicals.
ACT aims to address this pressing issue by providing a solution that minimizes waste and promotes a circular economy.
According to ACT’s communication manager, Nathalie Naina, “Some clothes take almost 200 years to decompose.
Our goal is to provide a zero-waste solution that reduces carbon emissions and kickstarts a circular ecosystem for textiles.”
Innovative Collection Strategies
To combat the textile waste crisis, ACT has established collection bins in high-traffic areas such as malls and universities, making it easier for individuals to dispose of their old clothes responsibly. Once collected, these textiles are sorted based on quality and wearability at ACT’s workshop.
“When these clothes reach landfills, they are either burned or left to decay,” Naina explained.
By diverting these materials from landfills, ACT is not only reducing environmental impact but also fostering community engagement in sustainable practices.
Creating Value from Waste
Many of the upcycled products created by ACT are sold at The Artisanal Gallery in Nairobi, co-founded by Crista Victoria Mehta.
This high-end store showcases items made from recycled materials, appealing to consumers who are increasingly conscious of their purchasing decisions.
Mehta notes that customers appreciate knowing the story behind each product: “When people realize that this basket or carpet is made from jeans material, it invokes a more conscious buying decision.”
As awareness grows around the environmental impact of fast fashion, consumers are becoming more selective about what they buy.
They want products that contribute positively to the local economy without harming the environment.
Building a Sustainable Future
Kenya has often borne the brunt of fast fashion waste, but initiatives like ACT are changing the narrative.
The organization not only highlights the creativity of local seamstresses but also adds economic value while protecting the environment.
Betterman Simidi, founder of Clean Up Kenya, emphasizes the importance of establishing recycling systems within the country: “Every step towards cleaning the environment should be encouraged. We can find recycling solutions for clothing and even resell them to extend their lifecycle.”
Globally, textile waste is an urgent issue, with only 12% being recycled worldwide according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Even less—just 1%—of discarded clothing is transformed into new garments. This highlights the need for innovative solutions like those offered by ACT.
A Call for Collective Action
As ventures like Africa Collect Textiles continue to tackle textile waste head-on, they demonstrate that local solutions can have a significant impact on global challenges.
By promoting upcycling and responsible consumption, ACT is paving the way for a more sustainable future in Kenya’s textile industry.
The fight against textile waste requires collaboration among businesses, consumers, and policymakers alike.
With organizations like ACT leading the way, there is hope for creating a circular economy that benefits both people and the planet.
