Somewhere between TikTok hauls and next-day delivery, we forgot how to fix things. We forgot how to cook without an app and a pre-made box, grow food without a kit, and sew a button back onto a shirt without throwing the whole garment away. Clothing, once stitched with intention (my mother made her own dresses!), has become fast fashion and disposable. And with it, a quiet loss of skill, patience, and care.

Levi’s is trying to reverse that. The brand has launched a new program in high schools that teaches students how to repair, reinforce, and customize their own clothes. It’s a small intervention with big implications.

“At Levi Strauss & Co., we’ve spent more than 170 years designing clothes to be worn and loved for as long as possible. The Levi’s® Wear Longer Project builds on that legacy by giving young people the confidence and tools to extend the life of what they already own,” said Michelle Gass, President and CEO, Levi Strauss & Co. “By building up repair skills within the next generation and emphasizing the idea of durability, we’re helping spark a culture of creativity, sustainability, and pride in taking care of the things we value.”

The idea isn’t new. Many of us remember clothing swaps, community repair nights, and the early sustainability movement that made secondhand feel rebellious and smart. It carried the same spirit as freecycle and the pop-ups that would help women repair their clothes — spaces where fashion stopped being about perfection and started being about longevity. We also love it when people in big cities put clothes out on park benches. Nothing like finding a haul of cosy clothes.

For years, knitting circles, stitch-and-bitch nights, and repair cafés were quietly led by women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. They weren’t trying to start trends. They were trying to make things last and they enjoyed creating and being together. Now, that knowledge is finally being passed to a generation that understands waste instinctively, but often lacks the tools to act on it.

In the 2010s, greening your wardrobe was pretty easy. But Gen Z doesn’t just want sustainability slogans. They want agency. My daughter is a Gen Z and she can repair jeans with a sewing machine, she can crochet a hat and halter top and she make a bag. Learning how to patch denim, reinforce seams, and turn damage into design gives young people something rare: control over consumption.

“Every year, millions of wearable garments end up in landfills, many taking centuries to decompose. By teaching repair, customization, and sustainable care, the Wear Longer Project interrupts that cycle,” said Alexis Bechtol, director of Community Affairs at Levi Strauss & Co.

Created with Discovery Education, the Levi’s Wear Longer Project brings clothing repair back into the classroom — not as a hobby, but as a core life skill. Through free lesson plans, teacher toolkits, and hands-on workshops, students learn how to sew, hem, patch, and redesign their clothes. The materials are built to fit directly into existing high-school programs for grades nine to twelve, making repair part of everyday learning rather than an after-school afterthought.

New research commissioned by Levi’s found that 41% of Gen Z lack any clothing repair or customization skills — from altering a hem to sewing a custom patch —  compared to less than 25% of older generations who often learned these skills at home or in school. However, 35% of Gen Z say they would keep their clothing for longer if they knew how to alter or repair them. 

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Gen Z may lead the way in thrifting, swapping, and upcycling, but nearly half of those surveyed admitted they don’t know how to fix their clothes. Without repair skills, even the most circular fashion habits eventually collapse back into waste. The company argues that sustainability only works when durability is personal. Knowing how to extend the life of a garment is what turns environmental intention into real impact. Without that knowledge, circular fashion remains a theory instead of a practice.

In other words: you can love second-hand clothes all you want — but if you can’t repair them, they still end up in the bin.

The Levi’s Wear Longer Project is supported by a practical set of classroom-ready repair guides that make sustainability tangible, not theoretical. Students learn how to sew on buttons, hem clothing, patch holes, and fix tears through step-by-step facilitator and student guides designed for hands-on learning. Teachers can find the guides here –– with a version for students and one for teachers.

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Fossil Fuels in Modern Day America

“The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will drill, baby, drill. America will be a manufacturing nation once again, and we have something that no other manufacturing nation will ever have — the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on earth — and we are going to use it.” 

This excerpt from Donald Trump’s Inaugural Address on January 20, 2025, amplified the fire already lit in me to double down on my company’s commitment to hemp and the natural fiber industry. Anact, a premier producer of hemp and cotton towels, is putting the brakes on fossil fuels in the textile industry and is, instead, fueling the growth of renewable supply chains.

While human consumption of fossil fuels for expendable energy—whether in the form of oil and gas, natural gas, or coal—constitutes the largest category of fossil fuel products in the US, there is one category that often slips under the radar of public consciousness: the use of petroleum-derived synthetic fibers in textiles.

Reimagining the Textile Industry 

Despite this cognitive dissociation, there is no beating around the math (or hemp stalk) any longer. The textile industry is one of the biggest contributors to the climate crisis, and is largely driven by the petroleum industry, as synthetic petroleum-derived textiles are cheap to produce as a byproduct of fossil fuel extraction. The fossil fuel industry’s depletion and contamination of natural resources like water, and the increased incidents of climate-driven, supply chain-disrupting, catastrophic weather incidents has created a critical problem that we need to collectively address.

However, there is a positive path forward. Currently, the global hemp fiber market is experiencing remarkable expansion, expected to reach more than $30 billion in less than 10 years. The textile industry is the main driver of this market expansion, according to a recent global market research report, presenting consumers and businesses a viable sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived fiber.

From financial investors to climate activists, we need all hands on deck, while not letting perfection be the enemy of good. The textile industry is one in which 80 percent of textile workers are women and where the buying power is made up mostly of women. By redirecting the capital, energy, and conviction that is needed to usher in industries like hemp textiles, instead of bending over backwards for the oil industry, we have the opportunity to reduce harm and generate value, today and for future generations. 

Hemp Offers A Solution: Decarbonizing the Textile Supply Chain

Hemp is an industrial fiber crop better compared to flax (grown for food and linen), that can grow up to ten feet tall and uses little water to cultivate. It was grown by the Romans, used by Henry Ford to create automobile prototypes, and was the textile fiber of choice for Betsy Ross to sew the American flag, to name just a few of hemp’s applications. At Anact, we love hemp because it’s incredibly durable, resists the growth of bacteria, and is very breathable. Hemp is also one of the fastest growing biomasses in the world: when you grow one acre of hemp compared to one acre of conventional cotton, you get two-to-three times the yield at a fraction of the cost, which saves money and resources while increasing profit margins.  

Hemp was made illegal in 1937 in the US under the Marijuana Tax Act and re-legalized for commercial use in 2018 under the Farm Act. Hemp is more sustainable than popularized bamboo textiles because bamboo fiber requires a chemical solvent to turn it into a yarn, thereby making it synthetic.  

Our focus on re-introducing hemp as a major economic contributor to the food, fiber, and fuel industries is not only because of its fantastic performance features and increased profit margins, but also because hemp sequesters carbon at rates similar to a young forest, but with a far shorter growth cycle. Hemp offers a solution rather than a compromise. 

* Please note that I do think there is value in the recycled synthetic industry but due to the increasing temperatures and rising sea levels, the prioritization of investment in regenerative agriculture industries takes precedence at Anact.  

By investing in alternative textile crops like hemp, we can have the following impact: 

• Hemp needs 90 percent less water than conventional crops and doesn’t require pesticides 
• Hemp restores our soil while it grows, improves water retention, biodiversity, and organic carbon, and pulls out pollution
• Hemp sequesters carbon in soil, whereas petroleum-derived synthetic fibers release carbon into the atmosphere

Anact’s Vision 

We have the opportunity at Anact, as a nimble and emerging brand, to set the standard for how things should be. This is the beauty of being a start-up in an industry that has great potential to impact sustainability with hemp and regenerative practices. We are creating an ecosystem that is value-added for farmers, employees, customers, banks, and more, which will only be made possible with capital investment and supportive policy. 

Anact has successfully helped pass legislation to grow hemp in Florida, pitched the opportunity that hemp presents to various investment partners, and built a small but mighty group of angel investors, employees, customers, and advisors who believe in the vision and opportunity in front of us. 

In addition to the harmful lessons we’ve learned from fossil fuels, Trump’s current tariff war is providing consumers a baseline education on supply chains and the global product manufacturing landscape. It’s spotlighting how underpriced many products have been for too long. It’s finally catching the attention of the investment communities, whose hyper-fixation on investing in AI and tech-based startups have prevented them from paying attention to other industries and solving real world problems like the textile industry, which is valued at $2 trillion and is a space ripe for disruption. As the Founder and CEO of Anact, I believe that there has never been a better time (especially for women) to lead and reimagine the textile industry. It’s our only option.

::Anact

Brianna Kilcullen is the founder and CEO of Anact, a producer of sustainable towels made from hemp and organic cotton. Brianna is a symbol of how small choices can spark systemic change, and is a leading voice advocating for regenerative, localized manufacturing and the opportunity of hemp to revolutionize the textile supply chain. Her mission is to challenge the outdated systems of the industry and inspire others to act by creating products, policies, and partnerships that prioritize people and the planet. Prior to starting Anact, Brianna worked in the apparel industry for prAna, a subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear and Under Armour. She is a proud citizen in the US and Ireland, and has traveled to more than 40 countries, working in factories on almost every continent. Brianna has appeared on numerous podcasts and in online publications like Politico. Brianna has authored opinion pieces and writes her own blog.

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Related: Stella McCartney creates shoes from cinnamon

“But once people learn more about it, they are like, ‘Okay, interesting.’”Al-Rashdan’s plant-based dresses, bags, and accessories have walked runways from Paris to Dubai and earned her a string of awards. Unlike the synthetic textiles that clog landfills for decades, her creations are designed to decay. “These clothes are not meant to last forever,” she says.

“They have served their purpose. It’s okay for them to go away.”

An architectural engineer by training, Al-Rashdan began experimenting with plant-based textiles in 2015. She learned to transform food waste—like beetroot skins, olive pulp, and onion peels—into biodegradable materials. Some are fed into a 3D printer to make handbags, coins, and jewelry; others are spun into fabrics for high-fashion dresses.

One standout piece: a collaboration with designer Tony Ward on a wispy, biodegradable gown that debuted at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week.

Every year, the fashion industry produces 92 million tonnes of textile waste—the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes dumped or burned every second. Much of it ends up in developing countries, releasing microplastics and toxic dyes into the environment.

According to UNEP, the sector is also responsible for up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is one of the most water-hungry industries on Earth.

Al-Rashdan’s work has been boosted by the West Asia Sustainable Fashion Academy, launched by the UN Environment Programme in 2021. The academy has trained over 150 designers, fashion students, and small businesses to use sustainable fabrics, extract natural pigments, and rethink waste.

Fellow participant Hazem Kais, head of Beirut’s GoodKill label, dyes garments with sage, walnut, and pomegranate instead of chemical dyes. “If we can dye clothes this way, why wouldn’t we?” he says.

For Al-Rashdan, every sustainable choice—no matter how small—counts. “I’m hopeful,” she says. “Every change, even a small one, matters.”

The post She turns Jordan’s onions and olives into fashion appeared first on Green Prophet.

What happens to a car’s airbag after it’s decommissioned? In Kyiv, the answer is unexpectedly stylish. Pilsok, a Ukrainian accessories label founded in 2007, has released backpacks and shoulder bags cut from retired airbags—light, durable nylon engineered to save lives now saving materials from landfill. The team explained that it can take “about three airbags to create one backpack,” and that they “came across airbags taken from disassembled cars” after testing other surplus materials.

Pilsok says the bags are cut and stitched in-house in Kyiv, with each piece reflecting the folds, seams and printed codes of the airbag it came from—making every bag unique by design.

Pilsok isn’t alone. In Zurich, FREITAG launched the F700 ARROW and F708 FIREBIRD shoppers “made from accident-free airbags and used tension belts,” embracing a “bag-follows-form” approach that preserves the original folds and shapes.

Germany’s AIRPAQ manufactures backpacks and accessories by reusing “discarded car airbags, seat belts, and belt buckles,” and has been recognized by European retail and innovation programs for circular design.

The same upcycling logic has reached aviation. In 2025, Emirates announced a second “Aircrafted by Emirates” drop: a limited run of 167 handmade pieces crafted from retrofitted A380 and 777 interiors, from aluminum headrests to leather and seatbelts.

Airbag textiles are engineered for extreme stresses—lightweight, tear-resistant, and stable when stitched—so they’re a natural fit for durable day bags. Upcycling research also shows that objects with a visible “prior life” can carry stronger emotional stories, nudging buyers toward repair and long use. As one study neatly put it, “turning an old car airbag into a backpack.

20 years of R-R-R: what’s next

Two decades into mainstream Reduce–Reuse–Recycle, fashion’s center of gravity is shifting from one-off “eco” drops to circular design—materials that can loop, products built for repair, and business models that favor take-back, refurbishment, and resale. The upcycled-airbag movement is one thread in a larger fabric: premium brands are trialing biobased and compostable polymers, experimenting with “living” or self-healing materials, and investing in traceability so customers can see a product’s full story. For a deeper dive into how circular design is maturing, see Green Prophet’s analysis of what circular design means in 2025.

Pilsok’s work is a pragmatic, local example of circularity: identify a high-performance waste stream (retired airbags), design with its constraints (panels, folds, labels), manufacture locally, and make repairable, long-lived products. It sits comfortably alongside other stories we’ve tracked at Green Prophet—from aviation upcycling to new materials—showing how design thinking has matured since the early days of R-R-R.

Related reading on Green Prophet

Upcycled aviation: Emirates turns retired aircraft into luxury bags (limited-edition “Aircrafted” collection).

Biomaterials & circular design: Stella McCartney’s compostable sneakers (BioCir® Flex); Stella McCartney chooses Balena for upcycled foamy fashion; living plastics that clean water; ten future-forward sustainable fashion companies; slow and sustainable fashion through your eyewear; and our overview of circular design in 2025.

DIY upcycling roots: turn old T-shirts into bags; fuse plastic bags into durable sheeting; and a very early look at creative reuse in recycled map “infobags”. For more, browse our sustainable fashion and circular fashion archives.

 

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You can now smell the future of fashion—and it smells like cinnamon.

The latest sneaker drop from sustainable fashion pioneer Stella McCartney isn’t just about style or performance. The S-Wave Sport Trainer, part of her Autumn 2025 collection, is a milestone for circular fashion. The shoe is built with BioCir® Flex, a high-performance, compostable, recyclable, and bio-based material developed by the biomaterials startup Balena.

And the sole? It’s dyed with cinnamon waste. So when you lift your foot, you might catch a whiff of spice: “Smell the sole… it smells of cinnamon! … a closed-loop production… zero waste. It is mind-blowing,” Stella McCartney said at the launch.

This is more than a gimmick. The S-Wave sneaker is a signal to the global fashion industry that the age of fossil-based, forever-waste plastics is coming to an end—and that regenerative biomaterials are ready for prime time. The BioCir® Flex sole, developed by Balena in Tel Aviv, is designed for industrial composting and chemical recycling. That means it can degrade into biomass at end-of-life or be repurposed as feedstock for new products—no microplastics, no incineration, no landfill.

It’s made from renewable resources like castor bean oil, natural sugars, and plant-based elastomers, and carefully engineered to match the durability and elasticity of conventional thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). In other words, it performs like a modern sports shoe—but returns to the earth or lab when you’re done.

“This collaboration represents a future where materials are truly circular, sustainable, and high-performance,” said David Roubach, founder and CEO of Balena. “It’s a milestone I could only dream of.”

Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on the planet, responsible for up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and an enormous share of synthetic microplastic pollution. Most shoes today—especially those made for sport—are constructed from petroleum-based plastics that take centuries to degrade, if at all.

The S-Wave x Balena project is a proof-of-concept for how future footwear could look, feel, and behave in a circular economy. It’s also a message: luxury and sustainability can co-exist—if designers are willing to work with nature, not against it.

At Green Prophet, we’ve long tracked the rise of engineered living materials (ELMs), algae-based dyes, and circular fashion startups. Balena’s material joins this new wave of bio-innovation, where fashion is no longer just wearable—it’s regenerative.

Balena’s rise reflects a growing biomaterials ecosystem in Israel, where startups are turning food waste, seaweed, and microbial cultures into next-gen plastics, leather alternatives, and fibers. By partnering with a global voice like Stella McCartney—who famously avoids animal leather and is leading LVMH’s sustainability strategy—Balena has fast-tracked its tech from lab bench to luxury shelf.

“This is what happens when material science meets design with shared values,” says Roubach. “And we’re only getting started.”

The S-Wave isn’t just compostable. It’s beautiful. It’s functional. And it speaks to a growing cultural shift, especially among younger consumers, toward transparency, ethics, and lifecycle design. With brands like Adidas, Allbirds, and Veja experimenting with similar biomaterials, and designers like Stella McCartney putting compostability on the runway, we’re inching toward a world where your favorite sneaker doesn’t outlive you—or the planet.

And in the meantime, it might just make your feet smell like cinnamon.

Green Prophet tracks emerging biomaterials, circular fashion, and environmental innovation from the Middle East and beyond. Want to pitch your green design breakthrough? Reach us at info@greenprophet.com.

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When you meet someone, you are often judged and evaluated before you even strike a conversation, based on how you look and how you carry yourself. As much as we may hate it, your attire is an important part of your personality and does communicate a non-verbal vibe about you to the other person. That is exactly why dress codes exist for different occasions and are considered an important element of discipline. However, when you graduate out of your college, your dress codes are vaguely classified as formals and casuals. It often becomes difficult for fresh entrants in the industry to figure out the right way to dress.

Dressing right is very crucial when you are in a corporate role, especially if you aspire to assume a leadership position. Your attire should communicate that you are professional, focus and you mean serious business. This quick style guide will help you crack the ultimate style code.

Clothing

When you are working as a corporate executive, especially in a leadership role, your attire matters a lot. The way you carry yourself is considered to be an important part of your corporate identity. Your clothing is the most dominating element of your overall attire and therefore you need to pay attention to it regardless of your gender and position.

The best clothing option for any corporate executive is to go for a suit. A nicely stitched suit in hues of Black, Blue, and Greys paired with an appropriately contrasting shirt and a tie is a classic gentleman’s dress and you can never go wrong with that one. That being said, many people do not find it practical to wear a suit every day. Moreover, often weather conditions and work dynamics do not allow that kind of attire at many places. In that case, you can stick to a formal shirt and a dress pant. When choosing shirts and ties, pay attention to the kind of colors and prints that you choose.

Keep your hues and prints subtle and sophisticated. You wouldn’t want to walk into your office with a splash of colors. Some contemporary workplaces today encourage more easy-going environment and follow a smart-casual dress code instead of a formal one. In such circumstances, do not get carried away by going for something way too casual. Collared polo shirts paired with cotton pants or straight cut jeans are a great smart casual option.

For female executives, the basic guidelines remain the same. Ladies suits have been a huge hit in the fashion circuits in the recent past, so you can make the best use of the current trends by dressing up in a ladies suit. When going for a suit, make sure it is stitched according to your body requirements. For instance, the tailored suits from Ellaé Lisqué are well-fitted and perfect for female executives who want to stand out and show off. If suits are not your thing, you can put up a smart formal top paired with a skirt. Although females have a wider color palette to choose from but avoid picking up colors that are too bright or loud. You can go for darker tones of blues and red, however, stick to a single color or pair up with a neutral color instead of going all colorful. Even if you are personally okay with showing skin, avoid dresses that are too suggestive at your workplace. Wear something that is convenient, manageable and comfortable while at the same time professional.

Shoes

Your shoes are very much part of your overall professional attire. The classic hot always has been the closed toe high heeled shoe. Closed-toe shoes do not mean that you are allowed to walk into your workplace wearing sneakers or joggers. Invest in a good pair of formal leather shoes. Ideally, shades of black and browns are the best choices. The closed toe rule applies to women too, and ideally, women should stick to high heels too. However, if for some reason you are not able to wear heels, go for kitten heels or Wedges.

Remember that often your work will require you to move around and it is important that you wear something that would not give you sore feet. Therefore, even if you are used to heels, pick only heels that are high enough for you to carry all day. Wedges are a great alternative to closed toe heels as the offer relatively much more support and are relatively more comfortable. If you wish to stick to flats, go for pumps. For shoes, try to stick to neutral colors only and avoid hues that are too loud or bright.

Accessories

Accessories are an important part of fashion and style as they help to accentuate your entire look. Although you do not have to completely eliminate your jewelry and accessories from your corporate look, you still have to keep it very subtle. Even if you are a huge jewelry fan, leave your bracelets and necklaces at home when coming to work. The max you can wear is a small pair of studs in your ears, a finger ring or two and a watch. Keep other pieces light and let your watch be the most dominating element of your accessories. Watches have always been associated with class and luxury so invest more in this area. Tag Heuer Carrera has some super classy leather strap watches in its line that you can pick from. Whatever you choose, make sure that your accessories do not become a hindrance in your productivity and allow you to do your tasks effectively.

Hair and Makeup

Although there is not much to do with hair and makeup with men, still style it as professionally as possible. Ideally, avoid very long hair, but if you have longer lengths then avoid keeping them open. Make sure your hair is clean, shampooed and tied up neatly. Although females can leave their hair open, but make sure they are manageable and do not bother you amidst your work. You do not have to invest hours in the morning to style your hair. Tie them up in a neat bun or do a high ponytail or a braid. That would not only look neat and professional, but your hair will stay intact till the day end without bothering you. You can use a styling gel or a hair spray for extra support.

As for makeup, it is best to stay as natural as possible. Use the foundation that matches your skin tone. If your skin does not have too many imperfections, it is best to use conceal and correct and top it up with a good moisturizer and finishing powder only. Avoid heavy highlighters and bronzers and use a very subtle cheek tint. Keep your eyeshades neutral and add a liner and a mascara. If your clothes are dark toned, go with nude or earth-toned lips. If you have kept everything else very minimalistic, you may add a pop of red on your lips.

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In 2025, sustainability is no longer a luxury or a greenwashed afterthought—it’s a business imperative. Consumers around the world are making purchasing decisions based not just on price or style, but on how products are made, what they’re made of, and what happens after they’re used. Enter a wave of bold startups building circular, ethical, and regenerative models for everyday items—from sneakers and smartphones to menstrual pads and incense sticks.

Here are seven standout startups proving that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

1. Akyn (UK) – Redefining Ethical Fashion: Founded by British designer Amy Powney, Akyn is more than a clothing label—it’s a quiet rebellion against fast fashion. Built on the principles of transparency, timelessness, and traceability, Akyn uses organic cotton, regenerative wool, and natural dyes. Every piece is designed to last beyond seasons, with full supply chain traceability back to the farm. As the UK rethinks fashion’s carbon footprint, Akyn leads with substance and style.

2. Rothy’s (USA) – Turning Bottles Into Ballet Flats: Based in San Francisco, Rothy’s is famous for transforming recycled plastic bottles into sleek, washable shoes and accessories. With 3D knitting technology that minimizes waste, Rothy’s has repurposed more than 179 million bottles and over 20,000 used shoes to date. Their latest push in 2025? Fully circular retail stores, where worn-out Rothy’s can be dropped off and reincarnated into new designs.

3. Fairphone is flipping the script on electronics with a modular smartphone that’s easy to repair, upgrade, and recycle. The Dutch startup sources fair-trade gold, conflict-free tin and tungsten, and recycled plastics. In a world awash in e-waste, Fairphone is leading the “right to repair” movement—and showing big tech how ethical hardware can still turn a profit.

4. LastObject (Denmark) – Saying Goodbye to Single-Use: Copenhagen-based LastObject produces reusable alternatives to everyday personal care items—cotton swabs, tissues, and even makeup pads. Their signature product, LastSwab, replaces 1,000 disposable Q-tips. The brand’s minimalist design and bold messaging have resonated with a new generation of climate-conscious consumers. It’s not just zero waste—it’s zero nonsense.

5. Bamboo India – A Green Toothbrush Revolution. Plastic toothbrushes are one of the most common items found in landfills. And the microplastics get into our bodies when we brush. Pune-based Bamboo India is changing that with biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, earbuds, and eco-gift items. What started as a small social initiative has become a household name across India, with a rapidly expanding global presence. Their mission: eliminate single-use plastic from your morning routine.

6. Nirmalaya (India) – From Temple Waste to Sacred Scents. Every day, Indian temples generate tons of floral waste. Nirmalaya saw an opportunity in the problem—transforming discarded flowers into incense sticks, essential oils, and organic colors. Based in Delhi, the startup combines tradition with innovation, tackling waste while preserving the spiritual significance of its raw materials. It’s an elegant fusion of circular design and cultural reverence.

7. Eco Femme (India) – Menstrual Health Meets Social Impact: In Tamil Nadu, Eco Femme is producing washable, organic cotton menstrual pads and distributing them through education-focused programs across rural India. This women-led social enterprise is helping reduce the mountains of plastic waste created by disposable pads—while empowering women and girls with dignity and information. Their pads have reached thousands, but their model is reaching minds.

These startups aren’t just selling products—they’re selling a new way to live. Each is proof that consumer goods can be high-quality, beautiful, and regenerative at the same time. From fashion and tech to wellness and waste, they’re building a future where sustainability isn’t a niche—it’s the norm. Now all of these are global products. Take an idea from this list and make it local.

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What happens when high-tech materials meet heartfelt design? Colombian designer Neyla Coronel has an answer—and it comes in the form of a bra. Made using Balena.Filaflex, a flexible, bio-based and fully compostable filament co-developed by Balena and Recreus, Neyla’s creation is challenging everything we thought we knew about intimate apparel, sustainability, and the power of design to liberate the body.

At Green Prophet, we’ve followed how Balena is reshaping the fashion industry—literally. The brand has already made headlines for its partnership with Stella McCartney, producing fashion-forward, circular solutions that don’t compromise on ethics or style. Their fully compostable slip-on shoes turned heads in Paris and New York, proving that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to look like a compromise.

But Neyla’s latest work adds something deeper: the personal. It’s a a bra designed by—and for—the body

Raised in a culture of rigid beauty standards, Neyla says her design process began with a reckoning. “I realized my body was never the problem,” she shares. “It was the fashion industry’s limited offerings.”

Working with 3D scanning, parametric modeling, and computational geometry, Neyla flipped the traditional fashion script. Instead of forcing bodies to conform to garments, she made garments that move, grow, and shift with the human form. At the heart of her design is an auxetic structure—an architectural pattern that flexes in sync with the body. “It’s not just about aesthetics,” she explains. “It’s about function, inclusivity, and emotional comfort.”

To bring her vision to life, Neyla needed a material that could stretch, adapt, and biodegrade—without sacrificing comfort. Early prototypes in PLA and TPU lacked the elasticity and sustainability she craved. Then came Balena.Filaflex.

“Working with Balena.Filaflex was a breakthrough,” Neyla says. “It’s soft, it’s strong, and it supports movement close to the skin. But more than that—it’s compostable and biobased. It made the piece not just wearable, but meaningful.”

Balena.Filaflex has already been used in everything from fashion-forward sneakers to performance-ready slides. Designers across the globe—from high fashion to independent creators—are exploring its potential as a circular solution to fast fashion waste.

Co-Creation and Circularity

What sets Neyla’s project apart is the ethos of collaboration—not just between designer and material, but between designer and wearer.

Using open-source design principles, each piece can be tailored by the end user. Pattern density, strap length, and shape flexibility are all customizable. “I don’t want this to be just my design,” Neyla says. “It’s something to be shared—designed by one woman, for all women.”

Neyla is already experimenting with new applications for Balena.Filaflex—from personalized footwear to ergonomic furniture. “Each new project is a chance to learn,” she says. “Balena’s material gives me the freedom to imagine design that’s deeply human and deeply sustainable.”

At Green Prophet, we believe these are the collaborations that matter—where material science meets soul, and where design becomes a tool for regeneration.

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In times of hardship, creativity often becomes a lifeline. The “Heroines” exhibition at the Design Museum Holon, running since March 31, 2025, delves into this theme by showcasing how women during World War II used fashion as a means of survival and expression. ​

During the Great Depression in the United States, families repurposed cotton flour and grain sacks into clothing. Recognizing this, companies began printing the sacks with colorful patterns, making them more appealing for reuse. Some even included dress patterns directly on the fabric, simplifying the sewing process. This initiative not only provided affordable clothing options but also empowered women to create and sell garments, supporting their families during challenging times.

Silk Maps Transformed

In Britain, women found innovative uses for silk escape maps issued to soldiers during World War II. These durable, lightweight maps were repurposed into dresses, combining practicality with a statement of resilience. The exhibition features such garments, highlighting the ingenuity and adaptability of women who turned tools of war into symbols of hope and normalcy.

​Curated by fashion historian Ya’ara Keydar, “Heroines” presents over 100 ensembles, accessories, and artifacts that narrate stories of courage and creativity. The exhibition spans various geographies, from pre-war Prague to the American and British home fronts, culminating in Israel. It emphasizes fashion’s role not just in aesthetics but as a medium of resistance, identity, and survival.

“Heroines” invites visitors to reflect on the power of fashion beyond its visual appeal, showcasing how, in the darkest times, clothing became a canvas for resilience and hope. Included are fashion items made during the Holocaust, some by pre-eminant fashion designers who ended up in the camps.

::Design Museum Holon

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