Not only does textile industry have great environmental issues, but also creates social gaps and problems are closely linked to it like poverty, unemployment and inequalities. By redesigning products and business models, Rewoven decided to fight against these issues.

Textile recycling is not only a necessary sustainable practice that the clothing industry needs to adopt to mitigate its impacts on the environment, but it is also a very labour-intensive process that can be an avenue for job creation in South Africa.

Rewoven is a Cape Town based innovation project that is currently in the commercial pilot phase. It was founded by three youthful innovators - Tshepo Bhengu, Esethu Cenga and Lonwabo Mgoduso in 2018. Through their passion for sustainability and well-being; creating an impact; and their collective entrepreneurial mindset, Rewoven was born. They recycle off-cut fabric, end of roll fabric, unsold inventory, clothing rejects and corporate branded uniforms and produce fabric for dog beds, disaster relief blanket, insulation material, acrylic jersey and pillow filling material.

In addition to recycling the textile waste that they collect, they also recycle all of the plastic and paper waste that is generated in the recycling process. All employees are employed in compliance with the Basic Employment Act of South Africa.

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Moreover, Rewoven is committed to social transformation and inclusion:

1. Rewoven is a Level 1 BEE company;

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2. 83% of the staff identify as Black. 17% of the staff identify as coloured;

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3. 33% of the staff are people who identify as women and 0% are people who identify as differently-abled. They are aware that there is more room for improvement and are constantly working towards making sure Rewoven is an inclusive organisation.