A decade of empowering change: 'RECO Young Designer Competition' transforms into 'RECO Collective'

Friday 24 November 2023 13:32
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemical company, has consistently led the way in sustainable fashion and recycling education for over a decade through its flagship "RECO Young Designer Competition", which promotes the value of recycled materials and the circular economy through creativity and innovation. For its tenth anniversary, RECO will revolutionize recycling and environmental stewardship with the launch of the 'RECO Collective'.
A decade of empowering change: 'RECO Young Designer Competition' transforms into 'RECO Collective'

Selected talented designers will be invited to collaborate with Indorama Ventures and stakeholders in Thailand's circular fashion industry to advocate for 'InnovensityFashion', a concept that seamlessly integrates innovation, intensity, and sustainability. Each designer will have the unique privilege of creating a special collection made from recycled PET yarns and fabrics provided by Thai Taffeta Co. Ltd., a local customer of Indorama Ventures and RECO partner, which will be available for sale in selected retail spaces through RECO's extensive network. Customers can purchase RECO Collective's ready-to-wear items and join the movement to promote recycling, sustainable business practices, and the global circular economy.

Mrs. Aradhana Lohia Sharma, Vice President at Indorama Ventures, said, "Over the past ten years, RECO has championed recycling and circularity as well as pioneered sustainable designs made from recycled materials, especially rPET bottles. With 'RECO Collective 2023', the initiative is poised to enter a new era of innovation and collective action, furthering its mission to create a greener and more sustainable future. Given that Indorama Ventures recently celebrated a significant milestone of recycling 100 billion post-consumer PET bottles worldwide, we want to keep the momentum going in promoting the importance of recycling. RECO is the right platform to help us achieve this by introducing the collective and inclusive approach to educate and empower individuals, businesses, and communities to recognize the value of recycled materials."

Mrs. Krittika Chaiwilai, Vice President of Marketing, Thai Taffeta Co. Ltd., a valued business partner of Indorama Ventures in Thailand, emphasizes the significance of supporting RECO and utilizing 100% recycled PET yarns. She states, 'Thai Taffeta is proud to stand alongside Indorama Ventures in supporting the RECO Collective. As a project partner, we recognize the critical role we play in providing recycled fabrics woven from Indorama Ventures' 100% recycled PET yarns to promote sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility. Together, we can create positive change for our planet through fostering a more sustainable and circular fashion industry and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices.

To bring this vision to life, the designers will participate in the 'InnovensityFashion' program and join in-depth knowledge-sharing sessions with industry experts through RECO's Incubation Lab. These sessions will cover how to launch a sustainable fashion brand and entrepreneurship, sourcing materials, manufacturing, brand building, and sales & marketing strategies - essentially, a comprehensive "How to Launch a Sustainable Brand 101".

Ms. Kamonnart Ongwandee, RECO Incubation Lab Course Director, shares her insight: 'The Incubation Lab provides designers with invaluable benefits, guiding them on the path to launching their sustainable brands. Our program imparts practical knowledge and strategic insights, equipping designers with the essential tools for success. Committed to connecting talents with the market, I will utilize my network of eco-friendly fabric suppliers, production houses, and design advisors to promote products from the RECO Collective in the market to reach a wider audience.

Source: Indorama Ventures