Waste to WOW: Sustainable Products and Circular Jobs
Summary
In 2024, Jaggery committed to spearheading the design and production of innovative “WOW” products through upcycled product design and ethical manufacturing. Jaggery is pioneering a triple bottom line approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility, empowers consumers, celebrates timeless style, and has the potential to be replicated globally. By introducing new sustainable materials, embracing digital innovation, and upholding a timeless design aesthetic, Jaggery’s commitment sets a new standard for responsible fashion practices. Leveraging their expertise in re-manufacturing, Jaggery will spearhead the design and production utilizing textile waste and car seat belts from end-of-life vehicles. These high-quality products will encompass a diverse range of categories, from essential carryalls and adventure gear to home decor and hospitality products. To create 10,000 bags, 3,558 end-of-life cars will be rescued; 240 artisan, 96 waste worker, and 72 helper jobs will be created, and 3,479 kg of textile waste will be diverted from landfills.
Approach
Jaggery commits to spearheading the design and production of innovative “WOW” products through upcycled product design and ethical manufacturing. Jaggery is pioneering a model that prioritizes environmental responsibility, empowers consumers, celebrates timeless style, and has the potential to be replicated globally. By introducing new sustainable materials, embracing digital innovation, and upholding a timeless design aesthetic, Jaggery’s commitment sets a new standard for responsible fashion practices.
Leveraging their expertise in re-manufacturing, Jaggery will spearhead the design and production aspects utilizing textile waste and car seat belts from end-of-life vehicles. These high-quality products will encompass a diverse range of categories, from essential carry-alls and adventure gear to home decor and hospitality products.
As the vital link in the supply chain, Saahas Zero Waste and Muddle Art will ensure a consistent flow of high-quality, sorted textile waste materials for Jaggery’s production process. Their expertise in textile waste management is crucial for this commitment’s success. Luum brings its extensive e-commerce distribution network in the US market to the table. They will leverage this network to distribute “WOW” products across various channels, including reaching micro-brands, boutique stores, and potentially large retail chains. By effectively harnessing the power of e-commerce, Luum will play a critical role in making these sustainable products accessible to a wider audience of US consumers.
Through this comprehensive commitment, Jaggery aims to create positive social, environmental and economic impact. Their commitment fosters a sustainable future by diverting waste from landfills, creating circular economy jobs for women and disadvantaged communities, and empowering consumers to make informed choices. To create 10,000 bags, 3,558 end-of-life cars will be rescued, 240 artisan jobs and 96 waste workers, 72 helper jobs will be created, and 3,479 kg of textile waste will be diverted from landfills.
Action Plan
The action plan outlines a clear roadmap for achieving goals over thirty six-months:
Year 1: From Design to Market Launch (Months 1-12) Product Development (Months 1-3) : Finalize designs for “WOW” products, incorporating upcycled textiles and car seat belts. Analyze US market data and develop a multi-channel e-commerce presence targeting direct-to-consumer and business-to-consumer audiences.
Pilot Production & Market Entry (Months 4-6) : Initiate pilot production of the product range while finalizing the digital passport system with our chosen blockchain partner. Launch targeted marketing campaigns in the US and secure additional purchase orders based on initial response.
Scaling & Impact Assessment (Months 7-9) : Scale up production to meet growing demand and expand product offerings. Implement a system to track and report on the environmental and social impact metrics, including the carbon footprint reduction achieved.
Market Analysis & Refinement (Months 10-12) : Analyze the success of the US market launch and explore expansion opportunities. Refine and improve sourcing, production, and distribution processes based on year-one learnings. Showcase the initial impact of the commitment at the CGI Annual Meeting.
Year 2: Market Expansion & Partnerships (13-24 months) Explore strategic partnerships with sustainable fashion brands and retailers in the US market. Expand distribution channels beyond e-commerce, reaching major retail chains. Invest in development of the digital passport, integrating additional features like product rentals, buy back and rewards programs.
Year 3: Global Replication & Sustainability Leadership (25-36 months) Develop guidelines outlining best practices for upcycling car seat belts and integrating blockchain-powered digital passports. Partner with NGOs or social enterprises in other countries to replicate the successful waste management, production, and distribution model established. Position Jaggery as a thought leader in sustainable fashion through conferences, workshops, and collaborations with universities and research institutions.
The plan outlined above provides a successful US market launch roadmap while creating a replicable model for scaling impact globally.
Background
The textile sector has been named the fifth largest contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, generating 1.2 billion tons of CO2-eq each year (Bianco et al., 2023; Vercalsteren et al., 2019; Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017) . As a subset of the global textile industry, the global sustainable fashion market encompasses a wide range of products tailored to enhance functionality and style in sustainable fashion market spaces. Due to global population increase and the expansion of purchasing power among consumers, the global sustainable textiles market is expected to reach USD 30.52 Billion by the end of 2030, a 31% increase from the market’s 2023 value of USD 20.97 Billion (Kharas et al., 2023; Kent, 2024) . Such market growth will undoubtedly increase the demand for global textile production.
According to the Social Progress Index (SPI) , the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is not expected until 2082, and the COVID-19 pandemic is projected to further delay this progress by a decade. India’s rapid economic growth has led to an increased demand for vehicles, resulting in a growing dependence on imported fossil fuels and higher carbon emissions. The transport sector is expected to become the third-highest emitting sector after fashion and crude oil by 2050, with a substantial share coming from vehicle emissions. Additionally, the rise in the number of registered vehicles in India has led to a significant generation of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) .
Combating Waste Streams
Textile Waste: India generates a staggering 8.5% of the world’s textile waste. This often ends up in landfills, releasing harmful chemicals and methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
End-of-Life Vehicle Waste: India’s vehicle scrappage policy creates a new waste stream – tons of plastic from discarded car seat belts. By 2030, an estimated 180 million seat belts from ELVs will be entering the landfills.
Progress Update
Partnership Opportunities
Jaggery seeks resources to fully realize the potential of our Commitment to Action. Financial resources are needed to support initial procurement of car seat belt waste, expand production capacity, establish strong market linkages in the US, and secure essential certifications. Additionally, funding would allow them to participate in thought leadership events and exhibitions, further accelerating their impact.
Jaggery is interested in collaborating with partners who possess topic expertise in integrating blockchain-powered digital passports within the fashion industry. Media support would be invaluable in raising awareness about their innovative dual impact approach.
To maximize impact, Jaggery aspires to participate in CGI’s sessions, and Private Round Tables, particularly those engaging the Chief Sustainability Officer community, Auto Working Group, Urban Transformation community, and Water community. Participation in these sessions would allow us to connect with key stakeholders who can amplify their efforts towards a more sustainable future., Jaggery is excited to partner with other organizations working towards a more sustainable future. They are happy to offer their expertise in upcycling textile waste and car seat belts to create innovative and stylish products. Through comprehensive guidebooks, webinars, and in-person presentations, they can share their knowledge and best practices. Partner organizations can leverage Jaggery’s experience as an Implementing Partner, collaborating with them through Standard Operating Procedures to incorporate recycled materials into their own product lines through strategic design interventions within their supply chains. Additionally, partnerships can facilitate the exchange of best practices and insights gained from navigating the challenges and rewards of upcycled production within the circular fashion industry. Jaggery is also committed to providing media support by showcasing these partnerships through dedicated microsites, social media campaigns, podcasts, online video documentaries, and interviews that can be used to amplify the collective impact of these collaborations.