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Biodesigner Maja Halilović on the LOOP stage
Every second, a garbage truck full of textiles is incinerated or sent to landfills. The fashion industry, once a symbol of creativity and self-expression, now stands as one of the largest contributors to global waste. On this International Day of Zero Waste, we highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions in fashion- and revisit key insights from the LOOP Conference in Sarajevo, which explored innovative ways to tackle textile waste.
Held last year as the first Circular Economy Conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina, LOOP brought together pioneers in sustainable fashion, showcasing how innovation, collaboration, and circular solutions can redefine the industry. The discussions at LOOP remain just as relevant today, as we strive for a future where waste is not the end but a new beginning.
Frank Peralta of Peralta Clothing is revolutionizing fashion by repurposing surplus textiles and automotive materials. “Gone are the days when sustainability meant compromise,” he shared at LOOP. His designs prove that style and sustainability go hand in hand, offering a future where discarded materials become sought-after fashion statements.
Frank Peralta
Mirjam Krajina, the creator of RAW BAG™, has built a brand where design serves sustainability. “Every RAW BAG is unique, created on demand to prevent excess waste," she emphasized. Her handcrafted bags, made from melted plastic bags, untreated leather, and even beer industry byproducts, celebrate imperfections and prove that discarded materials can be turned into high-end accessories.
Mirjam Krajina
Biodesigner Maja Halilović was also one of the speakers at LOOP, where she shared her innovative work on developing new materials from organic waste, such as coffee grounds and eggshells. Her unique blend of science and design offers an eco-conscious alternative to conventional textiles, advancing sustainability even further.
The Conference provided a platform for many brands operating sustainably to showcase their work and products. Among them are Studio Tisa and Magbago, both pushing the boundaries of eco-conscious design. Studio Tisa transforms discarded fabrics and recycled paper into beautifully crafted notebooks, while Magbago uses biodegradable plant-based materials to create elegant, future-focused fashion pieces. Their work embodies the idea that sustainability and creativity can thrive together.
Studio Tisa products
The LOOP Conference underscored that tackling textile waste requires systemic change- rethinking production, embracing circular solutions, and making sustainable fashion the new norm. As we mark Zero Waste Day this year, we draw inspiration from these discussions and amplify the message that waste is not inevitable. With bold ideas and collective action, we can transform the fashion industry and move towards a future where nothing goes to waste.
Through policy integration, private sector support, and community engagement, UNDP is actively driving transformative changes towards a greener and more resilient future, underscoring the significance of collaborative efforts in promoting sustainability both locally and globally.
