Sustainability trending as recycling becomes a label to wear with pride

Besides Starbucks, Reclothing Bank cooperates with varied industries, such as cosmetic brand Kiehl's and heating manufacturer Vaillant.

"All employees of Vaillant have changed, from last year, to wear eco-friendly work clothes designed by us," says Zhang.

In 2017, Zhang established a recycled fabric laboratory in her factory, researching and developing fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, abandoned fishing nets, and crops.

So far, about 1,000 types of fabrics have been developed.

"Throughout the process, we persist in extending the life cycle of the fabrics, saving water, and reducing carbon emissions. We also use mineral or anhydrous dyes," Zhang explains.

Zhang has also found ways to fulfill her corporate social responsibility and support sustainability.

"We have been cooperating with the Tongxinhuhui charity store in Beijing for over a decade. They have hired women from poorer regions to improve their income."

Zhang adds that the recycled clothes from Shanghai and other cities will be first selected and sold to these workers for 5 to 10 yuan ($0.72-1.44). Whatever is left over will be made into patchwork fabrics.

"I started teaching them how to make patchwork fabrics 12 years ago, and I trained them to randomly select materials, disinfect, split, and assemble them into the shape of the cloth I want," says Zhang, adding that she used to pay them 30 yuan per meter and now offers 100 yuan.

The patchwork fabrics are then sent back to Shanghai and made into high-end clothing for sale.

Part of the revenue is donated to NGOs every year, Zhang adds.

During the 2023 autumn/winter Shanghai Fashion Week in early April, Reclothing Bank displayed its sustainable context and achievements through material research and development, literature and multimedia installations, creating a comprehensive sustainable fashion exhibition.

"This exhibition includes our designs and documentaries, as well as a lot of raw materials used in our research and development process because everyone is eager to see what we are actually doing," Zhang says.

"In the past, we would maybe have an attitude of 'I don't care' — not caring about what others think. But this time, I want to express an attitude of 'I do care' — I care because I love, cherish, and respect," she adds.

"I hope that through exhibitions, more people can see that sustainability is not just a slogan. There are too many designs that are needed in real life, which are practical and beautiful, and full of emotions."