Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

N-recycle introduces Nigerians to the sustainable use of their fashion items in a way that their life span is elongated and technology(e-commerce) is leveraged to make them accessible to new lovers anywhere and anytime. Hence promoting a circular economy.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

MEZCLAR OUTFIT, a walk-in store and an e-commerce platform dedicated to offering a diverse collection of high-quality clothing (New and Nigerian-recycled) for all genders. We aim to make clothing available to different communities regardless of their economic status. The N-Recycle model adopted by MO aims to reduce Nigeria's alarming reliance on, and importation of used fast fashion that ends up in landfills and has impacted negatively on the environment as a result of being underutilised yet overconsumed. This model encourages proper management of clothing that can be reused by a new lover when circumstances such as a change in body type relocating to a new country, and celebrity fashion style culture to mention a few, arise. Hence, encouraging a circular economy(recycling, up-cycling and so on) in the Nigerian fashion industry. We aim to provide a seamless shopping experience while promoting inclusivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the global fashion industry.

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

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The fashion industry is one of the major contributors to plastic microfibers in oceans and significant amounts of waste in landfills. It is being scrutinized for its contribution to environmental issues, waste generation, and lack of recycling. Secondly, underutilisation and overconsumption of clothing, According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, clothing production doubled globally from 2000 to 2015, while the number of times a garment was worn declined by 36 per cent given the linear approach known as the take-make-waste system. As a result, millions of tonnes of clothes are produced, worn and thrown away every year. Thirdly, the law banning the importation of used clothing in Nigeria is under the absolute prohibition list of Schedule 4 of the Customs Excise and Management Act. This is still categorised as law in book rather than in action since inception but there is a need to prepare and pay attention to its impact when implemented.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1) Fashion Consumers are educated through Mezclar Outfit's(MO) sustainable fashion awareness programs and campaigns to encourage sustainable, ethical and conscious fashion decisions. 2) Less waste is generated from human-induced actions on the environment as consumers begin to recycle their unused fashion items leveraging our web app platform. The N-Recycle model adopted by MO is a rethinking consumption model to minimize the importation of thrift clothing, underutilised and overconsumed clothing leading to waste generation in landfills. A zero-waste design philosophy aims to elongate the lifecycle of fashion items and avoid generating waste. Recycling or Repurposing: We emphasise through our words, actions and platforms the need to declutter and repurpose rather than underutilise because those unused items can be the reality of another community. 3) Fewer or no hurdles associated with imports and Economic Empowerment for thrift vendors, consumers and new entrants into thrift sales.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

According to Industrie Africa (2022), "25% of the Nigerian population being Gen Z, an ever-growing youth population passionate about resale fashion and changing thrift culture, ‘sustainability,’ ‘transparency,’ and ‘circular fashion’ are more than just buzzwords, they’re a workable solution". There is a need to reach the 51.5 million Gen Z potential customers who are mainly untapped to build a truly circular industry. 1. Generation Zs who are fashion consumers. 2. Thrift vendors: They get to avoid the costs and hurdles associated with importation such as shipping, customs or haulage fees to mention a few. 3. Influencers or Celebrities 4. New mothers with a change in body type. 5. Nigerians relocating to other countries.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-02-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Not applicable

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

https://linktr.ee/mezclaroutfits

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

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

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

It is noteworthy that the 17 SDGs have interlinking goals resulting in a change in one of the goals influencing the others. In other words, my response to each of these goals might be similar in justifying my start-up's contribution to each goal. I would like to also note that I might be referring to one or more of the targets in my responses. One of the targets for achieving Goal 1 is "To ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources, including through enhanced development cooperation, to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions". It is against this that MO aims to use the B2B business model in getting thrift vendors, both the current ones and the new entrants to be empowered economically with the same kind of product but this time with no costings or challenges associated with imports.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

An increase in people's economic value giving access to buy fashion items for sale at a cheaper rate as against imported could help end hunger in a family as there is more to achieve food security, improve nutrition and/or invest in agricultural produce.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

According to the following targets in achieving Goal 3; 1) To achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. 2) By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. MO's awareness programs on human-induced actions on the environment and how to curb it as a fashion producer and/or fashion consumer is an avenue to minimize emissions, and carbon footprints that have led to several deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Firstly, education goes beyond the four walls of a school and its impact when applied appropriately benefits not just the individual but the society at large. One of the targets that ensures achieving SDG 4, is "for all learners to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and culture’s contribution to sustainable development". In line with this target, MO's social media platforms are used to educate on sustainable fashion and sustainable practices as this is the foundation for all other sustainable fashion-conscious actions to be laid.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

One of the targets for achieving gender equality is that it enhances the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women. Hence, MO's e-commerce platform is a marketplace that empowers women as the need to use the platform to reach a wider audience requires learning how to use it effectively and efficiently to get the best outcome.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Given the following targets in achieving SDG 6; - By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. - By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity - By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate. The outlined targets above are achievable given the campaigns and awareness programs which is a platform to encourage and promote the use of closed-loop processes. It recycles water and solvents. This understanding will help fashion producers adopt sustainable practices in their productional methods.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

In alignment with these targets for achieving SDG 8 below; - Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production. - By 2030, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training. - Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment. MO has developed systems that promote fair wages, job creation, local sourcing, and ethical practices with plans to replicate them in other regions. N-recycle focuses on responsible communication, production and consumption. We also create a good working atmosphere that fosters growth in all spheres for our workers.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

MO's awareness platforms educate on the impacts of eco-friendly technologies. It also concerns itself with promoting local sourcing and production, supply chain transparency and accountability. Finally, MO advocates for innovation in sustainable materials leading to resilient, inclusive industrial growth while creating innovative initiatives for people to be a driver of sustainable development even from their wardrobe choices and use.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Given these targets for achieving SDG 11; - By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. - Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Through awareness campaigns and adopted models, MO and N-Recycle encourage eco-friendly productional methods to enhance air quality, reduce urban trash through recycling, and assist local craftspeople in conserving cultural heritage. With N-Recycle, we can contribute to safer, more sustainable urban settings by lowering transportation emissions and giving priority to local supply chains.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

With an intense desire to align with these targets in achieving SDG 12, "By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their lifecycle, significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment, and substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse. Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature". MO encourages effective natural resource management, eco-friendly chemical use, waste minimisation through recycling, and sustainable practices through our awareness programs, operational methods and models.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Given the following targets in achieving SDG 13; - Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. - Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. MO and N-Recycle invest in sustainable consumption techniques by raising consumer awareness of eco-friendly practices and educating consumers on the consequences of climate change to help achieve SDG 13. By incorporating climate measures into our business strategies, we align with national policy and increase resilience to climate hazards while encouraging a self-participatory approach to combatting climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

To achieve SDG 14 and align with the following targets; - By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. - By 2030, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and taking action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. Through MO's awareness programs, Fashion Producers are encouraged to minimise marine waste and lower land-based pollution through eco-friendly production. By obtaining sustainable or eco-friendly materials and promoting resilience and restoration initiatives, they begin to support the preservation of coastal ecosystems in their sourcing and productional methods.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Through our awareness programs and platforms, fashion producers and consumers are encouraged to use environmentally friendly materials that preserve and replenish terrestrial ecosystems and promote environmental protection by halting the loss of biodiversity through ethical sourcing and responsible production.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

To develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels and ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels, MO teaches and promotes transparency and accountability in its business practices, Our operations are inclusive, and encourage a participatory decision-making process that involves communities and stakeholders. Through the advancement of ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility(CSR), we aid in the establishment of strong, responsible organisations.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

With participation from all stakeholders on all levels with resources, expertise, and technology being made available, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals becomes an easy feat. With the understanding of the power of partnership, MO encourages and avails itself for productive public and private collaborations, utilising knowledge, and resources(finances, human and material) to propel innovative and sustainable practices in the fashion industry with a focus on recycling and reuse.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

MO, a walk-in store and an e-commerce platform has adopted the N-Recycled model and integrated the use of technology to achieve one of its objectives which is to make clothing (new and thrift) available to all genders and different communities regardless of their economic status and /or location. Secondly, the N-Recycle model is yet to be tapped in Nigeria given the mindset and reliance towards imported fashion items. As a brand, our use of already existing materials like recycled wool, recycled polyester and recycled linen to mention a few shows our aim to improve its existing use by elongating its lifecycle and functions for users. Thirdly, the model encourages proper management of fashion products that can be the reality of another user or community when circumstances such as a change in body type or relocating to a new country, to mention a few, arise. This model encourages Nigerians to keep fashion items within and learn to appreciate the ones sourced, made and used locally.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

The fashion industry is highly competitive, with established e-commerce platforms such as Jumia, Jiji, 1688, Konga, Ajebo Market and Shopify to mention a few. Local thrift stores on Facebook and IG are not an exception. They are platforms to source or buy fashion items that are new or thrift. What makes MO different? - Both new and thrift fashion items are enlisted on a single e-commerce platform. - integrating Innovation, Inclusivity and Sustainability: The intent is to promote a circular economy where fashion items are reused, up-cycled and recycled in a way that impacts both the people and the environment. - Influencing brand perception and the use of technology. - Influencing population potential, empowerment through the B2B business approach and employability. - We educate fashion producers and fashion consumers on how to mitigate human-induced actions affecting climate change. - We encourage female entrepreneurs or new entrants to be vendors(N-Recycle) away from imports hassles.

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

Yes. I started a community on WhatsApp for fashion vendors which was initially to get them to enlist on the web app but in the course of interacting with them, over 97% of them had not registered their businesses with a large proportion of them having logos and thriving businesses so with my initial goal still in mind, I started encouraging them on the need to register their businesses and helping the students amongst them identify their interests beyond school-met needs. Going forward, I intend to get a few friends who are legal practitioners to enlighten them and offer participants discounts for registering their businesses with them. Secondly, In educating them about sustainable fashion and sustainable practices, we will be fostering entrepreneurship as we encourage them and bring them on board as vendors for the N-Recycle B2B approach helping them to stay clear of importation costs and issues relating to customs, shipping and so on.