
The Nigerian fashion industry is arguably the most vibrant and diverse on the African continent. With A-list designers putting the industry on the global fashion map, it is also important that we start to reflect on the growing impact of the sector on the planet. In recent years, there have been a global consciousness on sustainability and shifts towards more eco-friendly practices. Global initiatives are rising to combact the impact of fashion waste and by-products, the fashion community have a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable initiatives.
Kingsley Otu, Creative Director at Incognito brand is leading the charge in revolutionising fashion sustainability in Nigeria through the Incognito take-back schemes and recycling Programme. Kingley opines that the Nigeria’s fashion industry, while flourishing is faced with the detrimental impact of fast fashion and textile waste with few recycling schemes and infrastructure to combat enviromental waste. With an increasing consumer demand for trendy apparel, the industry’s environmental footprint continues to expand and the industry is not paying attention to the pollution and landfill overflow generated daily. Given the large consumption of fast fashion and a blossoming industry, we need to rethink our approach to sustainability and take action. The Incognito take-back and recycling scheme is a call to action by Incognito Aparrael to promote fashion sustainability in Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Rabiu Umar, Founder and Chief Executive of Incognito Apparel during the Minna Fashion Forum disussed about the brand’s take-back schemes across Nigeria. The Incognito take-back and recycling programme allow consumers to return used clothing to participating retailers, brands and outlets across the country, which then facilitate the recycling or upcycling of the materials.
By incentivising consumers to recycle to recycle clothes, the Incognito take-back schemes promotes sustainale fashion practice and reduce the industry’s reliance on virgin resources.
Kingsley Otu in his statement advocates for collaboration among fashion brands, government agencies, nonprofit organisations and private sector partners to establish efficient take-back systems nationwide. Through the take-back scheme the Incognito brand is committed to empowering local communities and designers to incrporate sustainable fashion practices.
Rabiu Umar further stated that at the heart of the Incognito Brand’s sustainability mission is the education and empowerment of consumers to adopt sustainable practice. He believes in raising awareness about the environmental impact of fashion consumption and inspiring conscious consumer behavior. Through Recycle workshops, seminars, and campaigns, the brand educates consumers about the benefits of recycling, upcycling, and supporting sustainable fashion brands. Through this initiative the brand seeks to create awareness among fashion industry players and consumers and drive demand for eco-friendly fashion alternatives.
The Incognito take-back and recycling scheme represents a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s fashion industry into a more sustainable and ethical sector. By promoting circularity, empowering local communities, and educating consumers, the duo of Rabiu Umar and Kinsley Otu are paving the way for a greener fashion future. As they advocate for other designers and stakeholders to join the movement, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading destination for ethical and sustainable.
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