Like everywhere else on the planet, the African continent is also facing the problem of plastic waste
As a result, numerous projects are being developed by individuals and businesses alike to provide alternative solutions to this pollution, which is growing year on year. In the same vein, the fashion industry is now turning its attention to the issue.
Indeed, from Nigeria to Ghana – to name but two countries – designers are recycling plastic materials in their work. This is the story of Fela Akinsé and the Boie&Bill label.
Let’s head to Nigeria...
Fela Akinsé is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Salubata, a brand of sustainable trainers. A graduate of the University of Lagos, he specialises in urban pollution.
What sets this brand apart and makes it so strong is that the trainers it offers are not only sustainable but also modular. You can change both the upper and the design, meaning you can keep the sole for longer, as this is the part that causes the most pollution.
This initiative has earned him numerous awards and seen him selected as one of Africa’s 100 most promising start-ups by Africa Moves.
“The manufacture of the sole alone consumes, on average, 70 per cent of the energy required to produce a shoe. And what we’re doing is reducing the energy required for production, which in itself already has a significant impact on the environment. Because we believe our mission is to invent technologies within our way of life that will help both people and the planet.”
Off to Ghana…
Boie&Bill is a brand created by the designers and brothers Elisha Ofori-Bamfo and Calvin Bill, which also promotes more sustainable fashion. They collect plastic from the backstreets of Accra, sort it, clean it and recycle it to produce a new textile fibre. These collection drives are also organised in schools to inspire young people to choose environmentally friendly fashion.
The growth of this young brand has been slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the health crisis, the designers have opted for virtual fashion shows held in their workshop.
Their ambition is for their brand to reach beyond the borders of Ghana and the continent.