Our first zero-waste edit received such a great response from those of you already playing your part in the collective effort to be part of the solution. The facts and numbers are alarming—we have long passed the tipping point, and the fashion industry’s emissions are expected to rise by 50% by 2030 (just five years from now); less than 15% of textiles worldwide is being recycled, and the plastic waste figures are even worse. According to the OECD, scientists estimate that only 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled. The remaining 91% is discarded, either incinerated, sent to landfill, or left to pollute the environment.
Good news is, recycling technology is advancing rapidly. Chemical recycling methods, such as depolymerisation, break down synthetic fibres into raw materials that can be reused without any loss of quality. New enzymes are being developed to break down blended fabrics—one of the biggest challenges in textile recycling. Groundbreaking biological solutions are being explored, such as plastic-eating bacteria capable of degrading polyester without generating harmful microplastics.
The key to accelerating these advancements is supporting brands that are making the effort to research and use recycled materials, invest in ethical supply chains, and actively commit to reducing waste by taking meaningful actions to engage more people into reducing post-consumer waste. Every purchase decision counts—and while these fashion brands are doing their part, it falls on every single consumer to drive the change and shift the industry standards.
In this week’s edit, we’ve selected the another ten brands whose efforts we truly admire. Support them in supporting our collective cause.
You’re all welcome.
Veganologie (UAE)
Dubai-based Veganologie ensures that every product and packaging material is 100% recycled and GRS-certified. The brand uses recycled PU leather, vegan suede from recycled polyester, rPET, bamboo fibre, and apple leather. Partnering with RECAPP by Veolia—UAE’s first free-of-charge digital door-to door service collecting recyclables—Veganologie contributes to UAE’s 2030 goal of diverting 75% of waste from landfill. Since June 2022, the brand has planted over 100 mangrove trees along the UAE coastline, with ongoing efforts to expand reforestation.
VFR’s pick: Maze Shoulder Bag
Regular price: 530,00 د.إ
Kumi (Spain)
Mallorca-based KUMI produces shoes in small batches using recycled materials to reduce waste deliberately. Elements such as lining, outsole, insole, and laces are crafted from recycled polyester, rubber, and cork. The shoes are handmade in Elche, Spain, a historic hub of skilled shoemaking.
VFR’s pick: Hygge 22 Suede Green Mustard
Regular price: €190,00
V3Fit (UK)
Tracking plastic waste from both land and sea, V3FIT transforms it into athletic clothing and has even developed its own traceable yarn, Fibre Print®. For every order, the company plants ten trees to offset its carbon footprint. Additionally, V3FIT supports NURDOR, the national association for parents of children battling cancer in Serbia, where most of its products are made.
VFR’s pick: Men’s Gym T-Shirt
Regular price: € 189.00
Inaska (Germany)
Inaska, founded by three women determined to rid the world’s seas of plastic, has already removed over 8.6 tonnes of waste since 2016. The brand’s swimwear and activewear are 78% ECONYL®—a regenerated nylon made from discarded fishing nets and carpet remnants. For lining fabric, they use Q-Nova®, a regenerated nylon made from yarn remnants. Q-Nova® is GRS (Global Recycling Standard), EU Ecolabel, and High Index certified. Remarkably, it all started with the simple desire for stylish swimwear.
VFR’s pick: Classic Cut Swimwear
Regular price: €139.00
Oraki (Canada)
This Montreal-based brand uses only recycled materials or natural plant fibres and has repurposed over 16,475,000 plastic bottles since its launch in 2016. Oraki works with REPREVE® to recycle post-consumer water bottles and create the polyester the brand uses in its collections. To combat one of the fashion industry’s biggest issues—overproduction—it releases only limited collections to minimise waste.
VFR’s pick: Sorona Kids Fantastic Sweater
Regular price: $65.10 CAD
Ambilectics (Germany)
Founded by passionate runner Giulia Kröber in 2018, this brand manufactures all its products in Portugal using GOTS-certified materials. Their leggings and sports bras are crafted from 100% recycled PET bottles and local waste, with durability at the forefront—after all, endlessly buying new items is never truly sustainable.
VFR’s pick: Leopard bra and leggins
Regular price: €55.00 + €98.00
Plant Athletic (USA)
Proudly catering to ‘athletes who endure’, Plantathletic specialises in cycling, triathlon, and running apparel for both men and women. Launched in 2023, it is one of the only endurance apparel brands using exclusively recycled materials certified by the Global Recycled Standard and bluesign®. The brand is actively experimenting with bio-based fabrics for enhanced durability—plastic-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
VFR’s pick: Men’s SS Pro Jersey
Regular price: $130.00
Afroblonde (Australia)
Founded by Ricardo Marcal, who left the fashion industry to tackle the waste crisis, this brand recycles truck canvas and tyres to create headwear, footwear, bags, and accessories—ensuring no two pieces are the same. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Australia’s outback, the designs embody adventure and durability. From tarps that have weathered millions of kilometres to tyres that have travelled far and wide, every item is made to last.
VFR’s pick: Globetrotter Duffle Bag
Regular price: $200.00 AUD
Boje11 (Germany)
Boje11, a young startup founded by Joerg Wachenfeld in June 2023, set out to prove that it is possible to manufacture backpacks using entirely European-sourced recycled materials. After 20 months of research, discussions, setbacks, and breakthroughs, the first backpack was crafted in Poland using plastic bottles and discarded fishing nets. Even the back mesh, Velcro, plastic fasteners, patches, and sewing thread are made from recycled materials.
VFR’s pick: Rolltop Backpack in military green
Regular price: €159.00
Momoc (Spain)
Momoc designs shoes with soles made from locally sourced, recycled tyres. The vegan suede is crafted from recycled polyester fibres and PET, all certified by the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). The heels, made from recycled wood, are either stained black or left in their natural colour.
VFR’s pick: Ballerinas Earth Velvet Coco V.2.
Regular price: €119.00
Explore more vegan and sustainable fashion in our Directory.