A group of talented design students from the Estonia Academy of Arts (EKA) recently presented their innovative upcycled fashion creations at Rivatex East Africa Ltd, marking a significant milestone in a collaborative project aimed at promoting sustainability in the fashion industry.
The students, who have been undergoing a month-long training at Rivatex, were joined by key dignitaries, including the Rivatex Managing Director, representatives from Moi University, and Prof. Robert Tenge, the Vice Chancellor’s representative from Moi University. Their efforts were part of a pioneering partnership between Rivatex East Africa Ltd, Moi University, EKA, and the Stockholm Environment Institute in a project dubbed "Transferring UPMADE Know-How to Kenya."
The project, which leverages Rivatex's waste fabric materials, is centered around "upcycling" – the process of converting textile waste into valuable and saleable products. The EKA students, guided by industry experts, showcased a variety of creative garments and products made entirely from the waste fabrics produced at Rivatex. These creations not only demonstrate the potential of upcycling but also highlight the growing importance of sustainability and the circular economy in the fashion industry.
In 2024, Rivatex East Africa Ltd received its Upcycling Certification, which recognized the company’s commitment to sustainable production practices. Since then, the company has been implementing key objectives to support the broader goals of the circular economy and environmentally-friendly manufacturing. The upcycled fashion displayed by the students is a tangible representation of the positive impact of this initiative, with the potential to inspire further innovation in the textile and fashion sectors.
The collaboration between the Estonian students, Rivatex, and local institutions like Moi University marks a significant leap in Kenya’s drive towards sustainable textile production. By utilizing waste fabrics, the project not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by textile waste but also opens new avenues for job creation and economic development in the region.
“This is a testament to the power of international collaboration and innovation in addressing sustainability challenges,” said the Rivatex Managing Director during the exhibition. “Through initiatives like these, we are not only reducing waste but also contributing to the future of eco-friendly fashion that can be both commercially viable and environmentally conscious.”
As the month-long training comes to a close, the students will leave behind not just their creative upcycled designs but also a legacy of sustainable practices that could transform the fashion industry in Kenya and beyond. The Transferring UPMADE project exemplifies how global partnerships can help foster local solutions for global challenges, ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
The partnership between Rivatex, Moi University, EKA, and the Stockholm Environment Institute continues to grow, with plans for further collaborations and training programs aimed at enhancing the upcycling skills of local artisans and expanding the reach of eco-friendly textile production in the region.
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