Syahrul Ramadhan
Renward Sinaga
Erlando Simanjuntak
ENDY GUNAWAN TURKI
IPMI International Business School
Amelia Naim Indrajaya
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Upject transforms discarded denim into high-value, one-of-a-kind fashion products through an eco-friendly upcycling process. By reducing textile waste and conserving resources, Upject promotes sustainability while creating stylish, desirable items.
Upject's innovation revolves around its comprehensive upcycling process, transforming discarded denim into high-value, one-of-a-kind products such as shoes, bags, and hats. The process starts with collecting old jeans, meticulously cleaning and treating them, and repurposing them into fashionable items. This eco-friendly approach significantly reduces waste while preserving the unique history and memories associated with each piece of denim. By upcycling, Upject avoids the need for new fabric production, which is known to consume vast amounts of water and resources—on average, producing just one pair of jeans can require up to 8,000 liters of water.
Upject's innovative solution not only cuts down on water waste but also minimizes the environmental footprint caused by traditional textile manufacturing processes. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, Upject ensures that every product is not only sustainable but also stylish and desirable.
Upject's innovative approach supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
1. SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
By upcycling denim waste, Upject promotes responsible consumption and production, reducing the demand for new materials and minimizing the environmental impact of fast fashion.
2. SDGl 13 Climate Action
Upject helps combat climate change by reducing the carbon emissions associated with textile production, significantly lowering the environmental footprint of their products.
3. Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Upject provides employment opportunities to local artisans, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Upject's journey began with a personal concern of its owner, Lia Nirawati, who has always had a deep love for jeans. However, she noticed that old jeans were piling up and often ended up being repurposed as nothing more than floor mats or, worse, discarded entirely. This personal observation resonated with her, especially since she is part of an environmental community in Mojokerto, an area known for its bustling shoe industry. The community, to which she belongs, frequently received large quantities of discarded denim, which further fueled her determination to find a creative solution. Realizing the durability and timeless appeal of denim, which is loved by people of all ages, she sought to turn this waste into something valuable.
Inspired by her passion for sustainability and the environmental concerns within the fashion industry, Lia Nirawati founded Upject to upcycle denim waste into high-quality, fashionable products like shoes, bags, and hats. Upject not only transforms waste into beautiful items but also challenges the conventional take-make-dispose model of fashion. By focusing on upcycling, the brand encourages both businesses and consumers to rethink their relationship with waste, offering creative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
This approach also draws inspiration from the local community, where industries and artisans are skilled in producing footwear. Lia Nirawati’s involvement with these industries, coupled with her environmental advocacy, has driven Upject’s mission to provide durable, eco-friendly products while reducing textile waste. Upject stands as a beacon in the fashion industry, proving that environmental challenges can be met with innovative solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Upject's impact is multifaceted. Environmentally, the brand has successfully diverted 2.2 tons of denim waste from landfills, reducing the carbon footprint of fashion waste. Socially, Upject empowers local artisans, offering them steady employment and opportunities to refine their skills in sustainable fashion production. Additionally, the brand is committed to educating the public and raising awareness about sustainable practices.
From a business perspective, Upject has carved out a unique niche in the sustainable fashion market. Its commitment to upcycling not only sets it apart from competitors but also attracts a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers. By focusing on high-quality, unique products, Upject has built a loyal customer base. The brand’s dedication to sustainability also enhances its reputation, making it a preferred choice for consumers seeking responsible and ethical products
Upject offers significant environmental benefits by repurposing denim waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing pollution. Socially, the brand uplifts local communities by creating job opportunities and preserving traditional craftsmanship. Through its initiatives, Upject not only mitigates the environmental impact of the fashion industry but also promotes social sustainability by investing in the people who help realize its vision.
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Upject is an Indonesian social enterprise focused on transforming denim waste into high-quality, sustainable fashion products. Established in 2022, the company creates shoes, bags, and hats by repurposing discarded jeans, thereby reducing textile waste and contributing to environmental sustainability. Upject also empowers local artisans by providing employment opportunities and preserving traditional craftsmanship. The company’s mission is to promote responsible design toward sustainability.
