African designers choose greener fashion.

As everywhere on the planet, the African continent is also confronted with the problem of plastic waste. This is how many projects are being developed on the initiative of individuals or companies in order to provide alternative solutions to this pollution, which is growing year by year. On the same vein, the fashion industry is in turn seizing the issue.

nn

Indeed, from Nigeria to Ghana, to name just these two countries, creators recycle plastics in their work. This is the story of Fela Akinsé and the Boie & Bill label.

nn

Let’s Go to Nigeria…

n

Fela Akinsé is a Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Salubata, a brand of sustainable sneakers. As a graduate of the University of Lagos, he specialized in urban pollution.

nn

The strength of this brand lies in the fact that the shoes offered are not only durable, but they have the advantage of being modular. You can change the coating as well as the design, and therefore keep the sole longer since it is the one that pollutes the most.

nn

This initiative has earned Salubata numerous awards, plus being selected among Africa’s 100 Most Promising Startups by Africa Moves.

n

“Manufacturing the sole consumes an average of 70% of the energy required to produce a shoe. And what we are doing is reducing the energy required for production, which in itself already has a big impact on the environment. Because we believe our mission is to invent technologies in our way of life that will help people and the planet. “

n

On the Ghana side…

n

Boie&Bill is a label created by stylists and brothers Elisha Ofori Bamfo and Calvin Bill that promotes sustainable fashion. They collect plastic from the back streets of the city of Accra, sort it, clean it and recycle it into a new textile fiber. These collection sessions are also offered in schools to inspire young people to opt for environmentally friendly fashion.

nn

The development of this young brand has been slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to the health situation, the designers opted for virtual parades made in their workshop.

nn

Their ambition is for their brand to cross the borders of Ghana and the continent.

n

n

Follow Kelen on ,Facebook and ,Instagram, for even more news

n

and content on contemporary art from Africa.