The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste, with millions of tonnes of textiles ending up in landfills annually. In Singapore, the challenge is particularly pronounced due to the lack of textile recycling facilities, resulting in most textile waste being exported for processing. Amid this pressing issue, Cloop, a social enterprise, is leading the charge to redefine how fashion waste is managed in the city-state through innovative solutions such as clothing swaps, thrift initiatives, and textile recycling programs.
From Fast Fashion to Circular Fashion
Cloop was co-founded by Tan Yin Ling in October 2020, inspired by her personal journey from shopaholic to sustainability advocate. While pursuing her master’s in conservation biology in the UK, Tan fell prey to the allure of fast fashion, often purchasing more clothes than she could wear. Upon returning to Singapore, a transformative experience at a zero-waste boot camp opened her eyes to the environmental cost of her consumption habits.
This epiphany laid the foundation for Cloop, a venture focused on promoting a circular economy in the fashion sector. Cloop organizes regular clothing swaps and operates Open Wardrobe, an unmanned thrift store based on an honor system, with over 20,000 items exchanged to date. Additionally, the social enterprise donates a portion of its proceeds to local charities, ensuring a dual impact—environmental and social.
Innovations in Textile Recycling
Singapore’s textile recycling rate was a mere 2 percent in 2023, highlighting the urgency for localized solutions. In 2022, Cloop partnered with Malaysia’s Life Line Clothing to install its first textile recycling bin. Starting with one, the initiative now boasts over 450 bright yellow bins across Singapore, collectively diverting more than 4.4 million kilograms of textile waste from landfills.
These items are transported to Port Klang for recycling, showcasing Cloop’s ability to address the complex nature of textile waste. Beyond recycling, Cloop encourages creative uses for old textiles through art and technology, emphasizing design for longevity and the use of second-hand materials.
Cloop’s Vision for Sustainable Fashion
Tan Yin Ling envisions a future where second-hand fashion becomes mainstream and consumers embrace sustainable choices. She leads by example, proudly donning pre-loved clothing to spark conversations about its quality and value.
Cloop’s mission aligns with a growing consumer preference for ethical and eco-friendly practices. By fostering a supportive community and leveraging the principles of the circular economy, Cloop continues to pave the way for a greener fashion industry in Singapore.
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