5 Filipino brands that innovate with recyclables and natural materials
In a world where fast fashion and consumerism dominate, it’s easy to just keep buying and buying even things we don’t exactly need. But what if we no longer need them? Or they don’t exactly fit anymore? Well, it’s just as easy to throw them away.
These practices of both producers and consumers have created a whole lot of problems for the environment, the community, and even personal lifestyles. These include the accumulation of waste, pollution, and overconsumption. And these are the problems that sustainable fashion brands are looking to address as they encourage consumers to make responsible, environmentally friendly purchases.
But more and more local brands have come up with innovative ways to make wearable pieces out of recycled waste and natural materials—here are a few standouts.
And Again Clothing
For many, empty flour sacks no longer should be discarded because they no longer have any use. But not local brand And Again Clothing, which saw value in what most would consider “trash.” Thus, taking what was commonly discarded, the brand combined it with fabric waste to create fashionable pieces.
The flour sacks used are sourced from local bakeries, helping minimize waste, and are carefully cleaned and dried. These sacks are then turned into kimonos, polos, and skirts, which And Again Clothing ensures are proudly handmade.
instagram.com/andagainclothing
Junk Not Handicrafts
While Junk Not Handicrafts may be more known as a home decor brand, it actually has a fashion line that transforms plastic waste, along with upcycled jeans and old fabric, into durable bags. Called AthletECO, this line uses an average of one kilo of roped plastic waste per bag produced.
Junk Not and its founder Wilhelmina “Willie” Garcia have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades through the years. These include the grand prize in the interior design category of Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence in 2007, Excellence in Ecology and Economy Award for Environmental Innovation in the Medium Enterprise category (2024), and the Injap Sia Outstanding Young Entrepreneur Award (2024).
instagram.com/junknot.ph
Lakat
Lakat is an eco-footwear brand that turns pineapple-cotton fiber and natural rubber from Mindanao into stylish sneakers that are perfect for everyday wear. These sneakers also use 100 percent pineapple nonwoven fabric for their sustainable yet comfortable insoles.
The husband-and-wife team of Mike and Banj Claparols is the founder of Lakat. The couple and their sustainable brand are recipients of the Good Design Award Philippines in the Object Making category in 2024. Lakat also received the Green Award from the same award-giving body in recognition of its sustainable design practices.
instagram.com/lakatsustainables
Rags2Riches
Considered one of the pioneers of sustainable fashion in the country, Rags2Riches (R2R) uses upcycled and overstock fabrics to create a wide range of bags, accessories, and clothing items. R2R likewise works with local artisans and promotes community empowerment and fair wage practices.
The success of R2R has not gone unnoticed, as, in 2015, it became the recipient of the Eileen Fisher Business Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs. Founder Reese Fernandez-Ruiz has also been awarded the Young Laureate, Rolex Entrepreneurship Award in 2010.
instagram.com/rags2richesinc
Sunki
What many may not know is that linen is actually biodegradable since it is a natural fiber made from the flax plant. This makes clothing made from linen more sustainable than that made from synthetic textiles. If you’re looking to add some linen pieces to your collection, no need to look any further than Sunki.
Sunki uses linen that is OEKO-TEX®-certified, which means that chemicals were not used during production. The brand’s sustainability practices also apply to its packaging, as it makes use of cassava plastic, which is biodegradable, as well as seed paper.
instagram.com/sunki.label
