ABOUT
ABOUT
The New “Circular Economy”
From the Epicenter of Manufacturing
The New “Circular Economy”
From the Epicenter of Manufacturing
Japan has over 1 million tons of clothing waste every year. Sustainable approaches to lessen impact on the environment have now taken center stage in the fashion world. These measures include revisiting overstocked clothes, the concept of zero-waste, over-manufacturing and eliminating clothing loss.
REKROW was founded as a platform for achieving sustainable, local, and “circular” economies, particularly in work wear fashion. REKROW is committed to the responsible development of Hiroshima as a center of cotton and denim manufacturing.
Japan has over 1 million tons of clothing waste every year. Sustainable approaches to lessen impact on the environment have now taken center stage in the fashion world. These measures include revisiting overstocked clothes, the concept of zero-waste, over-manufacturing and eliminating clothing loss.
REKROW was founded as a platform for achieving sustainable, local, and “circular” economies, particularly in work wear fashion. REKROW is committed to the responsible development of Hiroshima as a center of cotton and denim manufacturing.
REKROW was founded in 2020 in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. Our project started with reimagining locally produced denim workwear. We were concerned with the short life span of garments produced then quickly worn out and discarded. We give them another life by upcycling them into new items.
This is a workwear version of the Onomichi Denim Project founded by the same team. The name REKROW is WORKER spelled backwards. The name expresses our mission to achieve a circular and sustainable economy. We treasure the rich patina of time worn workwear. We are dedicated to passing on our manufacturing knowledge and skill to the next generation, as we update sustainable fashion.
Updating Sustainable Textile Manufacturing
Misson
Update sustainable Textile Manufacturing though workwear.
１. Produce cool and functional workwear.
２. Upcycle used workwear into various new items.
３. Preserve the legacy by passing on textile manufacturing skills to the next generation.
Vision
As a team we continually refine our technology and ideas.
This happens in the process of developing new workwear and upcycling used ones.
Another important goal is to expand new business and employment opportunities responsibly.
Value
It all began when we discovered how genuinely “cool” worn-out workwear is.
Instead of being discarded and of no use, we found the pieces give extra value to upcycled new items.
Our original idea is ready to launch into creating a new “circular” and
sustainable manufacturing and mindful consuming.
Local Platform of “Circular” Manufacturing
Fukuyama City hosts many companies known for leading textile manufacturing in Japan after WWWII. With their depth of knowledge and experience, we have updated existing workwear to be both “cool” and functional.
Building a Platform of “Circular” Manufacturing with a Long History in Textile Business
Building a Platform of “Circular” Manufacturing with a Long History in Textile Business
Fukuyama City in Hiroshima has been known for its textile manufacturing over hundreds of years. It is still the center of fabric production in Japan. In Fukuyama, traditionally each manufacturer focused on developing specific skills and technologies of process in textile manufacturing. This allowed Fukuyama City and the surrounding area to function as one large manufacturing hub for production of the finest quality textiles. As of August 2021 thirty seven local companies have participated in the REKROW project.
Three Key Stories REKROW Can Tell
１.Story of the Workwear Uniform
The Workwear uniform itself tells the story and philosophy of the company. The garment reflects the values behind the company and supports strong branding and promotion. The uniform worn by the employee team is a positive communication tool. Workers are valued members of a skilled and respected community.
２.Story of Sustainability through Workwear
How is workwear made and how are the items recycled? We provide educational opportunities to learn sustainable manufacturing. We nurture and connect the growing community of those who are aware and engaged in sustainability. We provide these program of SDGs to companies.
３.The Story of Company through Workwear
REKROW will design and present fun events to feature workwear and uniforms. The events can work as opportunities to encourage communication among companies, local residents and regional stakeholders. Talks, pop-up stores and product development emerging out of the workwear uniform can effectively promote the company’s activities and philosophy.
Creating a New Circular Category of
Workwear through Product Development
REKROW shares a network with creative minds worldwide. We produce a wide variety of products derived from upcycled workwear. Products include accessories such as bags and wallets, and furniture too, including a sofa and table. We engage with every stage, from product planning through promotion, in creating a new category of workwear.
PRODUCT
PRODUCT
coming soon ...
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
| coming soon ... |
REKROW TALKS
REKROW TALKS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
REKROW works with educational institutions such as sewing schools to support the next generation and the future leaders of the textile industry.
REKROW is based in the northern part of Fukuyama City, formerly known as Bingo. Cotton farming in this region was first endorsed by the local government in the early to mid 17th century. Here the renown cotton ikat textile “Bingo Kasuri,” was invented, becoming one of the most popular cotton textiles of Japan, along with Kurome (currently Kyushu) and Iyo (Ehime). In 19the century, Kasuri weaving mills started producing denim. The area now has a 70% share of the denim production in Japan and hosts many manufacturers of workwears. To successfully protect our unique heritage as a major area of textile manufacturing for future generations, we work with educational institutions to create special programs.
In a partnership between Bunka Fashion College and the school's Fashion Technology Department, students of the industrial merchandising course and the bag design course will design original products with REKROW fabric. The items will be sold at 246st Market, a pop-up event with a thematic concept of “Good for The Future.” Students will make a site visit to the textile manufacturer in Fukuyama.
REKROW and HITOTOITO (Committee for the Future of Textile Manufacturing Area) developed a one-month course on specialized sewing skills for the production of denim pants. Students will work with industrial machines, visit leading manufacturers and learn directly from professionals. In addition to hands-on skills, students gain in depth understanding of how the textile industry works.
