Raffles Jakarta and Veuve Clicquot collaborated with JKT.Creative to empower women in flats (ibu rumah susun; ibu rusun) to make fashion items from recycled materials.
This collaboration was sparked when they realized the problem of mounting hotel textile waste in Jakarta. JKT.Creative also offers a solution by collaborating with businesses to recycle their textiles and prevent waste from reaching landfills. Currently, of the 57 percent of waste in Jakarta, 8.2 percent is made from textile waste.
Seeing this problem, a collaboration was created to create upcycling fashion made from hotel linen waste. The upcycling is also carried out by ibu rusun who have been trained by JKT.Creative.
"Our current goal is to overcome Jakarta's hotel textile waste problem while increasing public awareness and appreciation of upcycling fashion, with a collaborative project with Ibu Rusun and JKT creative. So I started to learn what benefits could be made from linen waste, and finally I discovered ‘There are great benefits from 5 star hotel linen.’ Then I asked hotels like Raffles for the materials," said Iwet Ramadhan, Founder of JKT.Creative when met at The Dining Room, Raffles Hotel, Tuesday, (15/3).
Made into an attractive fashion item
After Iwet found quality linen that was suitable for upcycling, together with ibu rusun he created collections such as white shirts with hand embroidery and also multi-purpose pockets.
Later, this limited edition product will be offered to hotel guests. For each stay in the Raffles Room category, guests will receive a creative pouch, while the Suite category receives a shirt.
Empowering flat women to have skills
Iwet said that JKT.Creative's goal was to make women more empowered, have skills, so that they could increase income for their families. Finally, together with JKT.Creative, he taught how to make clothing such as batik and upcycle.
"Whatever it is, it definitely starts at home. If these ibu rusun have the skills, they will be more confident and earn income. Moreover, mothers think that the money they earn will definitely be for their children, but they themselves will come second," he explained.
Although, Iwet said it was very difficult to convince ibu rusun to learn about the new activities. Moreover, these mothers were previously residents who moved from the side of the road thinking about getting money quickly.
"When they were transferred they didn't have the skills, even though they previously thought it would be practical to get money quickly. But I myself didn't give up until they finally wanted to learn. By convincing them to be patient in getting money," concluded Iwet.
Ideas for Recycling Used Linen
Wrap gifts – use linen and ditch single-use wrapping paper
Did you know that linen napkins can be used as gift wrapping? That's a really great idea! You can use this Furoshiki gift wrapping technique to wrap your gifts, and your friends can use the napkins as tea towels or napkins afterward. And for smaller gifts, you can use cocktail napkins, or even wrap larger gifts in vintage sheets or pillowcases. It's a unique way to give a gift, and it's also environmentally friendly because the packaging can be used again and again.
Make gift bags
The natural properties of linen make it an excellent canvas for dyes, fabric paints, and various fabric embellishment techniques. By decorating vintage linen fabric, you can then create unique gift bags that are not only beautiful but also reusable, serving as a sustainable and eco-friendly gift giving alternative. Embracing the versatility of linen, these personalized gift bags add a touch of creativity and thoughtfulness to any gift, while promoting the reuse of materials for a more sustainable approach to gifting.
Make an ironing board cover
Linen is the perfect material for making ironing board covers because it is resistant to high heat. Unlike modern ironing board covers made from cotton coated with toxic flame retardants and lined with plastic foam, linen is naturally scorch-resistant and free from harmful chemicals. To make your own linen ironing board cover, simply layer wool material or reuse a broken wool blanket between two pieces of linen, adding an elastic pocket around the outside edge. Customize the cover to fit your ironing board, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly surface for all your ironing needs.
Make an apron
Making an apron from vintage tourist linen sourced from Belgium, France, Holland and Ireland adds a unique touch to your kitchen wardrobe. This boldly patterned fabric, often overlooked and unused, can be transformed into a durable and stylish gathering or harvest apron. Hunt for these sturdy, colorful textiles at your local thrift store or flea market, where they await transformation into unique, eco-friendly clothing.
Benefits of Processing Used Cloth
Waste Reduction Potential
One of the main benefits of recycling fabric waste is the reduction of textile waste that ends up in landfills. By recycling fabric, we can reduce the amount of waste that pollutes the environment and reduce pressure on landfill sites which are increasingly full.
Potential for Conservation of Natural Resources
Moreover, recycling fabric waste can also help reduce the consumption of natural resources used in the production of new textiles, thereby providing a significant positive impact on increasing environmental sustainability.
Economic Potential
The process of recycling fabric waste can be a sustainable economic resource. Many small and medium businesses have emerged and have succeeded in processing fabric waste into creative and environmentally friendly products. For example, some local communities turn fabric scraps into products such as handbags, jewelry, decorative products, and furniture with backings made from recycled fabric. Support for this fabric recycling business not only creates new jobs, but also strengthens the local economy and empowers local communities.
Pollution Reduction Potential
By recycling fabric waste, we can also reduce the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment. Conventional textile production processes often produce hazardous waste and cause water and air pollution. By recycling fabric, we can significantly reduce these negative impacts, help keep the surrounding environment clean, and improve overall public health.
Recycling fabric waste encourages creative product innovation that is environmentally friendly and has a positive impact on society. Many designers and craftsmen have turned fabric waste into unique and high-quality products, such as durable bags with high aesthetic appeal, environmentally friendly home goods, and fashion products made from recycled fabrics. With this innovation, people can access high-quality products without increasing pressure on the environment.
Potential for Public Awareness
Through education and active participation in recycling programs, public awareness of the importance of textile waste management can be increased. With this increased awareness, not only will people become more concerned about the environment and participate actively in efforts to protect the environment, but people will also be able to directly experience the economic potential and creative innovation of using recycled fabric waste.
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