The Brookfield Sustainability Institute at Toronto’s George Brown College (GBC) has joined forces with Canadian responsible fashion tech startup, SIXR, to tackle the global fast fashion crisis. Together, they are launching “FOR TOMORROW” – a sustainable hoodie collection designed to reduce clothing waste by offering consumers eco-conscious incentives.
Collaboration for Sustainability
“The FOR TOMORROW collection is an example of what we can achieve when industry works with like-minded institutional thought leaders, such as our Brookfield Sustainability Institute, to further the cause of sustainability,” says Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College. The Brookfield Sustainability Institute has established itself as an incubator for smart sustainability projects that aim to preserve and enhance the world for future generations.
Each year, approximately 85 percent of the 150 billion garments produced worldwide end up in landfills, according to the World Economic Forum. The fast fashion crisis contributes to as much as 10 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, as estimated by The United Nations. SIXR addresses this issue by embedding QR codes in each garment that customers can scan when their clothing reaches the end of its lifecycle. This facilitates responsible recycling and rewards customers with app credits from the Planet Fund. Additionally, SIXR plans to invest a portion of its profits in companies dedicated to environmental restoration.
An Immersive and Sustainable Shopping Experience
“We wanted to motivate customers to invest in high-quality clothing that lasts while taking the guesswork out of recycling,” says SIXR’s co-founder, Gagan Singh, who brings over 20 years of manufacturing experience to the table. The FOR TOMORROW collection, designed by GBC fashion student Kai Palo, exemplifies circular design and sustainability principles. Available in four colors and six sizes, the hoodie features a secure stash pocket, a spacious hood for maximum comfort, and an oversized fit. It is made with equitable labor, minimal waste, sustainable fibers, and is designed for disassembly.
Luigi Ferrara, Dean Centre for Arts, Design & Information Technology and Chair & CEO of Brookfield Sustainability Institute, emphasizes the impact of the collection: “The FOR TOMORROW collection is not just another sustainable clothing line; it’s actually a statement on how we interact with fashion, and it empowers consumers to make responsible choices that impact our shared environmental future.”
Conclusion
The FOR TOMORROW collection is set to launch through a Kickstarter campaign on January 23. This innovative collaboration between George Brown College and SIXR aims to revolutionize the fashion industry by promoting sustainability and encouraging consumers to make eco-friendly choices.
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