Reform Studio: The Egyptian Fashion Brand Utilizing Plastic Bag Waste
Reform Studio is an Egyptian sustainable brand that uses waste plastic bags to manufacture their fashion and furniture items. Reform studio is remedying the problem of discarded plastic on land and in the ocean and while providing employment opportunities to local artisans. Fashion wise, Reform studio manufactures bags and shoes. The brand was founded by Mariam Hazem and Hend Riad in 2011 who were eager to serve their society and the environment. The brand Reform Studio recreates an existing idea, it has revived the weaving industry in Egypt, with its main goal to restore an old craft that is on a brick of extinction, but has been existing for more than 1000 years ago. Moreover, Reform has lead the way in the invention of Plastex, a new eco-friendly material made by weaving discarded plastic bags. Below we have highlighted their journey.
Reform Studio Sustainable Journey
Reform studio is using the second most discarded product in Egypt, plastic bags, and it is converting it into new raw material, plastex. The brand has also revived the weaving industry in Egypt that was around in Egyptian culture for decades, but had been replaced by machines, and they become nearly obsolete. It has revived the age-long craft of making fabrics which is mainly used by some Egyptian families in rural areas. The revival of this craft has helped create employment to the families who no longer were unable to make a living out from using that age-old craft. This has allowed the revamp of this industry and the creation of better opportunities to those who have had this craft passed down to them across generations. Reform is empowering underprivileged women with limited resources by offering them new job opportunities with a steady sustainable income in exchange for their weaving skills.
Awards and Recognitions
Reform Studio has been awarded since 2013 for their contribution to a better society and better environment. The awards are: Pioneer of Egypt Award in 2013, 2nd Prize Salone Stelite Award in 2013, 2014 Silver A Design Award Como, Italy for their sustainable products, 2014 Cartier Women’s Initiative Award in Paris France, 2017 Quartz Africa for innovation in South Africa, et cetera.
What Reform Studio Creates
Reform Studio manufactures a wide range of products from their new material, plastex. They make bags, shoes, furniture and accessories. Under bags they make; backpacks, beach bags, tote bags, belt, bucket bags, clutches and fanny packs. Under shoes they manufacture; boots, sandals, slippers. Under furniture they make; barstools, chairs, poufs and stools. And under accessories they make; cushions, placemats and rugs.
Rebel Mini Tote Bag
The Rebel mini tote bag advocates for a sustainable change in our world today. This bag is made using 86 reused plastic bags.
Rebel Fanny Pack
The rebel fanny pack is 100% handmade and it utilizes 48 plastic bags. It is an eco-friendly bag that will blend with your fashion.
What's Your Reaction?
