Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Relife Creations focuses on upcycling discarded clothing into unique, sustainable products such as bags, hats home decor items etc., reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly fashion.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Relife creations is a proposed sustainable fashion initiative that aims to transform discarded clothing into innovative and valuable products such as bags, accessories, home decoration items etc. The objective of Relife Creations is to significantly reduce waste in the fashion industry, conserve natural resources and promote a circular economy. The project seeks to create high-quality, unique products that showcase the potential of upcycling , while inspiring a culture of creativity and reuse. The proposed methodology involves 1. Collection and sorting of waste clothing 2. Cleaning and preparation of materials 3. Design and prototyping new products 4. Craftmanship and quality control. Relife Creations has the potential to reduce environmental impact of the fashion industry, create a new market for upcycled products and provide education and training on sustainable fashion. The success of the project will be measured by its ability to divert waste from landfills among others.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem Relife creations aims to solves is the significant amount of waste generated by the fashion industry, particularly discarded clothing and textiles that end up in landfills and contribute to environmental degradation. Also, millions of individuals are priced out of the fashion market, unable to access affordable fashion items due to high prices. Specifically, the project targets the following issues: 1. Textile waste; The global population generates 92 million tonnes of textiles waste every year, with the equivalent of rubbish truck full of clothes ending up in landfills every second. Unfortunately, less than 1% of this waste is recycled.(Ellen Macarthur Foundation . (2019). A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning fashion's future) 2. Unaffordability; The global fashion industry is projected to reach $3.5 trillion by 2025 with the average global citizen spending $147 on clothing annually.(Statista, "Global fashion market size" 2022). 3. lack of sustainability

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Relife creations project offers several benefits and advantages, including: 1. Sustainable fashion ; Our upcycled clothing reduces textile waste, conserves resources, and decreases the carbon footprint of the fashion industry. 2. Affordability: Prices are competitive due the source of our raw materials ( waste products), making sustainable fashion accessible to a wider audience. 3. Supporting a circular economy: By choosing Relife Creations, customers support a business model that reduces waste, promotes sustainability and contributes to a circular economy. 4. Empowering communities: Our project aims to create jobs and empower local communities, promoting social and economic benefits. 5. unique Designs: Our upcycled clothing allows customers to express their individuality while promoting sustainability.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The targeted beneficiaries of the Relife Creations project are: 1. Low-income individuals and families who lack access to affordable, sustainable and high quality fashion items. 2. Conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility in their purchasing. 3. Minority and marginalized groups that face barriers to accessing sustainable fashion options and benefits from inclusive and diverse representation of the fashion industry. 4. Environmentally conscious businesses seeking sustainable and ethical fashion options for for their employees,, customers, or brand ambassadors. 5. Impact investors seeking to support businesses that prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. 6. Artisans who lack resources and support can benefit from partnerships. 7. Communities from job creation, economic development, and sustainable fashion initiatives.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Abdul Wahab Osman is a young graduate from the University of Ghana who holds a bachelors degree in Mathematics with computer Science. He has demonstrated exceptional writing skills, which led him to Hive and establish the Hive Students Hub community, providing valuable educational resources to students. Abdul's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership abilities have also driven him to co-found and lead DigiFarms as CEO, revolutionizing the agricultural industry by connecting farmers with authentic inputs . His unique blend of technical expertise , business prowess and community-building skills makes him a valuable partner in our business venture.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project addresses poverty by creating employment opportunities in sustainable fashion design, production and sales , providing a stable income source for low-income individuals. This economic empowerment helps reduce poverty and improves overall wellbeing. Empowering low-income communities through education and training, the project enables individuals to break the poverty cycle.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Not Applicable

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Relife creations promotes sustainable practices, reducing environmental harm and contributing to a healthier environment. By upcycling materials, we reduce waste and pollution,(carbon from burnt waste clothing) indirectly benefiting public health.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The project educates consumers and partners about sustainable fashion practices, promoting awareness and knowledge sharing. By providing training and capacity-building programs for designers, artisans, and small-scale producers, enhancing their skills and knowledge in sustainable fashion design production.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project promotes inclusive and diverse representation in the fashion industry, challenging traditional gender norms and biases. We promote and ensure equal opportunities for men and women in our workforce.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The project significantly contributes to conservation of clean water and sanitation by: Upcycling materials which reduces the amount of waste that enters landfills and oceans, preventing water pollution. Encouraging customers to prioritize environmentally friendly clothing , reducing the demand for water-intensive fast fashion.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Not applicable

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

The project creates jobs for, promote sustainable economic growth, and ensures fair labor practices contributing to decent work environments. Also by providing safe working conditions, and opportunities for skill development, ensuring that the workforce enjoys a dignified employment.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project innovates sustainable fashion practices, partners with sustainable suppliers whiles reducing environmental footprint.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

The project promotes inclusivity and reduces social and economic inequalities by : Providing affordable, sustainable fashion solutions making ethical fashion accessible to a broader audience. Promoting diverse and inclusive representation in the fashion industry, challenging traditional beauty standards and biases. Supporting ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for all workers. Partnering with local artisans and small-scale designers, empowering marginalized communities and promoting economic inclusion.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The project promotes sustainable fashion practices in communities, contributing to urban sustainability. By partnering with local designers, artisans, and small scale producers, which promotes community development and sustainable urbanization. Our products reduce waste and pollution in urban areas.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

The project upcycles materials, reduces waste, and promotes sustainable fashion practices exemplifying responsible consumption and production.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Reduces carbon footprint by upcycling materials and promoting sustainable practices, contributing to climate change mitigation. The projects' sustainable practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support climate resilience.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Not Applicable

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Not Applicable

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Not Applicable

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project achieves this by : partnering with sustainable suppliers and designers to promote ethical and environmentally friendly practices. Collaborating with local organizations to support community development projects and promote social inclusivity. Engaging with consumers and raising awareness about sustainable fashion practices, encouraging collective action.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

3

05.08 Justification

The projects' sustainable model is innovative and unique because it combines upcycling, education, and community empowerment in a way that has not been done before. The projects approach challenges the traditional fast fashion model, which prioritizes speed and profit over people and planet. The upcycled fashion products improve upon traditional fashion design in several ways. By using upcycled materials reducing the need for new resources and minimizing waste, partnership with local artisans and designers ensures the products are crafted with attention to detail making them more durable. The project builds upon existing sustainable fashion initiatives by expanding the scope and impact, by not just creating a new product line; but also building a community that values sustainable fashion practices, ethical labor standards and cultural preservation. Also, it addresses the unmet need for sustainable, ethical and inclusive fashion practices that prioritizes both people and planet.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Main potential competitors are fashion brands that prioritizes sustainability, environmental responsibility and ethical labour practices such us Pantagonai, Reformation etc. However, what makes Relife creations standout is our unique upcycling approach , which exclusively uses upcycled materials reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. The project also prioritize consumer education, raising awareness about sustainable fashion practices and ethical labor standards. Holistic Approach, which addresses sustainability, ethical labor practices, and cultural preservation simultaneously, By combining upcycling, education, community empowerment, and high-quality craftmanship, Relife Creations differentiates itself in the sustainable fashion market.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

I believe it is essential to support and empower women in business. Here are some examples of the actions I am taking Currently I volunteer with Girls Empowerment Mission, a local NGO in my community that support women's economic empowerment. My role as a volunteer is to help execute initiatives that promote gender equality in business. These include skills training for these women and young ladies, capacity building seminars amongst others.