Back To Sender
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Fashion Tech & 3D Print
Company Name:Denim Cartel
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Troy Elimu
Design Team / Other designer(s):Thomas Tendo More
Other Contributor(s):Dorah Tendo / Lubega Deo
Manufacturer Name:Denim cartel limited
Distributors Name:Denim Cartel
Textile / Others Supplier:Denim
Photo Credit:Izy Caption
Project Location:Kampala uganda
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Video URL:View
Project Description:
"send back to the sender" Tonnes of clothes discarded by Europeans or Americans and imported to Uganda are becoming a problem. Each day we send our employees to downtown Markets to sort through second hand clothes to pick out the best denim finds and materials. These are then taken to our factory where tailors give a new lease of life to the discarded fashion items. We are trying to protect our environment using sustainable material so we try and reuse denim, denim that has been thrown or put to waste. So, that’s where the first process starts with. Sourcing the wasted denim or the offcuts of denim sourcing materials and then we now look at bringing it to our factories where we start cutting out patterns and pieces to specific designs which are there after sold or exported to other countries including Europe hence the project being called "Back to sender"
"send back to the sender" Tonnes of clothes discarded by Europeans or Americans and imported to Uganda are becoming a problem. Each day we send our employees to downtown Markets to sort through second hand clothes to pick out the best denim finds and materials. These are then taken to our factory where tailors give a new lease of life to the discarded fashion items. We are trying to protect our environment using sustainable material so we try and reuse denim, denim that has been thrown or put to waste. So, that’s where the first process starts with. Sourcing the wasted denim or the offcuts of denim sourcing materials and then we now look at bringing it to our factories where we start cutting out patterns and pieces to specific designs which are there after sold or exported to other countries including Europe hence the project being called "Back to sender"
Project Innovation / Specification:
we are incorporating innovation in our projects through sustainable practices and creative upcycling. The "Send Back to Sender" project is a prime example, where we collect discarded denim, transform it into high-quality fashion pieces, and sell them back at a premium. This approach not only reduces waste but also promotes environmental sustainability. Some of the innovative approaches we are taking include: - Upcycling: Transforming discarded denim into unique, high-end fashion pieces - Sustainable Materials: Using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste in production - Creative Design: Incorporating denim into making super hero costume designs traditional with Ugandan culture and modern styles to create distinctive fashion pieces - Digital Printing: exploring digitally printed denim as a sustainable alternative to traditional dyeing methods - Eco-Friendly Dyeing: Bioindigo, a greener way to dye denims, is being explored as a sustainable option - Recycled Materials: Using recycled cotton and hemp to create sustainable denim products
we are incorporating innovation in our projects through sustainable practices and creative upcycling. The "Send Back to Sender" project is a prime example, where we collect discarded denim, transform it into high-quality fashion pieces, and sell them back at a premium. This approach not only reduces waste but also promotes environmental sustainability. Some of the innovative approaches we are taking include: - Upcycling: Transforming discarded denim into unique, high-end fashion pieces - Sustainable Materials: Using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste in production - Creative Design: Incorporating denim into making super hero costume designs traditional with Ugandan culture and modern styles to create distinctive fashion pieces - Digital Printing: exploring digitally printed denim as a sustainable alternative to traditional dyeing methods - Eco-Friendly Dyeing: Bioindigo, a greener way to dye denims, is being explored as a sustainable option - Recycled Materials: Using recycled cotton and hemp to create sustainable denim products
Project Sustainability Approach:
We are incorporating sustainability in our projects through upcycling and reducing waste. we collect discarded denim, transform it into high-quality fashion pieces, and sell them at a premium, promoting environmental sustainability. This approach reduces waste, supports eco-friendly practices, and creates unique fashion products. Some of our sustainable initiatives include: - Upcycling: Transforming discarded denim into fashionable wear - Reducing Waste: Minimizing environmental impact by repurposing materials & second hand clothes - Promoting Sustainability: Advocating for sustainable fashion practices and reducing waste - Eco-Friendly Materials: Using organic cotton, recycled denim, and hemp - Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving technologies and recycling - Low-Carbon Production: Reducing energy consumption and emissions
We are incorporating sustainability in our projects through upcycling and reducing waste. we collect discarded denim, transform it into high-quality fashion pieces, and sell them at a premium, promoting environmental sustainability. This approach reduces waste, supports eco-friendly practices, and creates unique fashion products. Some of our sustainable initiatives include: - Upcycling: Transforming discarded denim into fashionable wear - Reducing Waste: Minimizing environmental impact by repurposing materials & second hand clothes - Promoting Sustainability: Advocating for sustainable fashion practices and reducing waste - Eco-Friendly Materials: Using organic cotton, recycled denim, and hemp - Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving technologies and recycling - Low-Carbon Production: Reducing energy consumption and emissions
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Our projects have significant local and regional impacts, promoting sustainability and empowering young creatives in Uganda. Local Impacts: - Job Creation: Denim Cartel provides employment opportunities for young designers and artisans. - Sustainable Fashion: we promote eco-friendly practices, reducing textile waste and supporting local communities. - Cultural Preservation: By incorporating traditional Ugandan elements, we preserve cultural heritage. Regional Impacts: - Inspiring Creatives: our success inspires other regional designers to explore sustainable fashion. - Environmental Awareness: our initiatives raise awareness about textile waste and promote sustainable consumption. - Economic Growth: By supporting local industries, they contribute to regional economic development
Our projects have significant local and regional impacts, promoting sustainability and empowering young creatives in Uganda. Local Impacts: - Job Creation: Denim Cartel provides employment opportunities for young designers and artisans. - Sustainable Fashion: we promote eco-friendly practices, reducing textile waste and supporting local communities. - Cultural Preservation: By incorporating traditional Ugandan elements, we preserve cultural heritage. Regional Impacts: - Inspiring Creatives: our success inspires other regional designers to explore sustainable fashion. - Environmental Awareness: our initiatives raise awareness about textile waste and promote sustainable consumption. - Economic Growth: By supporting local industries, they contribute to regional economic development
Company Name:Denim Cartel
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Troy Elimu
