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Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Afterwear Transforms Fashion Industry Through Innovative Sustainability Practices and Circular Textile Solutions

DELTA, BC, CANADA — March 3, 2025 — In an era where fashion's environmental footprint continues to expand at an alarming rate, Canadian sustainable fashion pioneer Afterwear is proud to announce its comprehensive approach to revolutionizing the industry through eco-friendly apparel and innovative textile recycling initiatives. Based in Delta, British Columbia, Afterwear has positioned itself not merely as a clothing brand, but as a movement dedicated to transforming how consumers think about their wardrobe choices and their impact on the planet.

Founded on the core principle that style and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously, Afterwear has developed a unique business model that addresses the fashion industry's sustainability challenges from multiple angles. The company's recently expanded collection features apparel crafted from organic cotton, recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, TENCEL™ Lyocell made from sustainably harvested wood, and hemp – all chosen for their minimal environmental impact and biodegradability.

"The fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters, contributing approximately 10% of global carbon emissions and consuming vast amounts of water resources," notes Alex Chen, Founder and CEO of Afterwear. "Our vision extends beyond simply making clothes; we're building a circular fashion ecosystem where nothing goes to waste and every purchase contributes to environmental regeneration rather than depletion."

What distinguishes Afterwear in the growing sustainable fashion market is its holistic approach to the entire product lifecycle. The company has pioneered a closed-loop production system that begins with sustainable material sourcing and extends to a comprehensive take-back program where customers can return worn Afterwear items for recycling or upcycling. This innovative program, launched in January 2025, has already diverted over 5,000 pounds of textiles from landfills in its first two months.

Additionally, Afterwear has implemented a zero-waste manufacturing process at its production facilities, utilizing cutting-edge pattern-making techniques that minimize fabric waste. Any remaining scraps are repurposed into smaller accessories or recycled into new fabric, ensuring nothing is discarded. The company's partners employ fair labor practices, with all workers receiving living wages, comprehensive benefits, and safe working conditions that exceed industry standards.

Beyond its product offerings, Afterwear has established the "Fashion Forward Fund," allocating 5% of all sales to organizations working on environmental conservation, textile innovation, and supporting communities affected by climate change. Recent grants have funded research into biodegradable dyes, microplastic filtration systems for washing machines, and community-based recycling initiatives in underserved areas.

The company's commitment to sustainability extends to its Delta headquarters, which operates on 100% renewable energy and features a rainwater collection system, solar panels, and a living green roof that supports local biodiversity. The space serves as both a retail location and an educational center where visitors can learn about sustainable fashion practices and the environmental impact of their clothing choices.

Afterwear's textile recycling program accepts any brand of clothing, not just their own products, at their Delta location. Items in good condition are cleaned and resold through the company's second-hand marketplace at accessible price points, while damaged textiles are processed into new fibers or repurposed into industrial materials. This community service has quickly become a model for other businesses in British Columbia, with several local retailers adopting similar programs under Afterwear's guidance.

The company recently collaborated with the University of British Columbia's Sustainable Materials Engineering department to develop a proprietary fabric made from agricultural waste fibers, specifically focusing on flax and hemp residues from local farms. This groundbreaking material, set to debut in their Fall 2025 collection, reduces water usage by 95% compared to conventional cotton and requires no chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

"What makes Afterwear truly special is our unwavering commitment to transparency," explains Sophia Patel, Afterwear's Sustainability Director. "We provide customers with detailed information about each garment's environmental impact, including water consumption, carbon footprint, and fair labor certification. By educating consumers, we empower them to make choices aligned with their values."

The brand's approach has resonated with conscious consumers across Canada and increasingly in international markets. Since its founding three years ago, Afterwear has experienced 300% growth, with particularly strong adoption among millennials and Gen Z consumers who prioritize ethical business practices in their purchasing decisions.

Industry recognition has followed this success, with Afterwear receiving the prestigious Canadian Sustainable Business Award in 2024 and being selected as one of Fast Company's "Most Innovative Companies" in the fashion category earlier this year.

Looking ahead, Afterwear plans to expand its circular fashion initiatives through strategic partnerships with major retailers across North America. The company is also developing a blockchain-based traceability system that will allow customers to track their garment's journey from raw material to finished product, further enhancing transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Fashion doesn't need to be disposable, nor should it come at the expense of our planet's health," Chen emphasizes. "At Afterwear, we're proving that beauty, functionality, and sustainability can coexist. Every garment we create represents a step toward a future where fashion regenerates rather than depletes our environmental resources.

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For more information about After Wear, contact the company here:

After Wear
Alex
+1 604-284-5491
support@afterwear.ca
Address:5000 Canoe Pass Wy, Delta, BC V4M 0B3, Canada

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