As part of our Fashion Revolution week special, we have a guest blog post from one of our ethical brands, Paguro, telling us a little more about their work in South East Asia and the people behind the brand.
Paguro's
story started in 2012 when our founder, Yen, was travelling around South East
Asia. By chance she came across a producer who was making beautifully designed
bags using recycled and repurposed materials. Having become a little
disillusioned with the 'fast fashion' obsessed high street, it was
inspirational to Yen to see such individuality. What impressed her even more
was the way in which the products were being made, with an emphasis on
sustainability and ethical production. In that moment, she decided that she
needed to find other producers doing similarly good work and to share their
amazing products with a wider audience. This is when Paguro was born.
Since
that point, we have sourced designers and producers from across the globe,
seeking unique upcycled fashion and home accessories. Our focus throughout has
been on groups who aim to promote positive social and environmental change
through their enterprises.
Why
use reclaimed materials?
The
use of reclaimed materials has clear environmental benefits. Not only does the
process divert materials away from landfill and incineration, but by using
existing materials the demand on the world's natural resources is also
reduced.
(used tyres in need of upcycling)
It
is, however, vital that the products are produced to a high standard, to ensure
that the pieces have a longevity which will expand the life span of the
materials for many years. That is why we only work with groups who take the
care and attention necessary to produce high-quality upcycled accessories.
Our
first designer - Smateria
Working
in the bustling streets of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, Smateria produce
vibrant bags and accessories from materials such as repurposed construction
netting, recycled plastic bags and leathers offcuts. Started by two Italian
ladies, Jennifer and Elisa, Smateria's designs are defined by the imaginative
way in which the different materials are incorporated into the finished
pieces.
(recycled plastic bags being crocheted and kept out of landfill)
As
pioneers for ethical production, they now hire over 190 employees, providing
comfortable working conditions with fair wages and insurance. They are
the first Cambodian manufacturer to be certified as 'Child Labour Free'.
They have also set up a pre-school centre to provide free childcare and free
meals for their employees' children, empowering local women to work.
(the final product an upcycled hobo bag repurposed from construction netting)
In
addition to their main site, Smateria also work with 25 women in one of
Cambodia's poorest communities, Andong. Working alongside an Italian charity,
they have set up a small enterprise producing handcrafted crocheted designs
using recycled plastic bags. The weavers are paid a fair price for every item
they make and their designs are then incorporated into a special range of
Smateria products.
(Smarteria representative demonstrating one of many bags they produce)
Our
second designer - Sapu
As a
group of environmentalists, Sapu were drawn to upcycling by the desire to make
use of discarded materials. Through their natural creativity, they saw an
opportunity to produce high quality pieces whilst making a difference to their
local community.
(reclaimed inner tubes being skillfully upcyled into jewellery)
Their
focus from the outset has been on recycled tyre inner tubes. The used rubber
was destined for either landfill or incineration, both of which would impact on
the environment. Sapu saw the potential to use the material, with its
individual tread patterns and tactile finish, as an alternative to leather.
Since then, they have set about creating a unique range of contemporary bags,
wallets, purses and jewellery.
(this flower necklace & bifold wallet is one of many designs made from reclaimed inner tubes)
Sourcing
the inner tubes directly from local transport companies, the group has so far
managed to recycle over 13,000 kg of rubber.
By sharing the stories of all the brands we work with, our mission is to re-establish the connection between producer and consumer.
We aim to pass on
the same sense of excitement that we feel when finding a new designer and
experiencing their brilliant products for the first time.
>>>You can view our entire collection over at ethical.market, thank you for
taking the time to read our story.
This is a great blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
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