Thanks to the support of the federal programme 'Belgium Builds Back Circular' (BBBC), run by the FPS Public Health, RE-LAB was given the space to grow, test new methods and build partnerships. The project is part of the federal government's broader strategy to accelerate the circular transition in Belgium and reduce the environmental impact of the fashion sector.
Building a Circular Textile Sector Together
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It consumes large amounts of water, generates a lot of waste and makes a significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, some textile products contain harmful substances and are often associated with degrading working conditions.
RE-LAB was born from a shared belief that there has to be another way. The collective brings together actors from different fields with a common goal: rethinking the life cycle of garments and minimising waste.
In collaboration with small designers, start-ups, schools and social organisations, RE-LAB develops innovative, circular practices. They supervise temporary work processes, organise training in textile processing, set up educational projects and support experiments into reuse and recovery. They carry out repairs for major sports brands, give store collections a second life, and transform used hotel textiles into completely new garments.
A Flexible Business Model with Social Growth Above Profit
RE-LAB doesn't work with a fixed system but uses a flexible, circular business model that creates growth through collaboration in an open network of designers, social organisations, schools and businesses. Projects emerge organically: through existing, shared values or ongoing collaborations. The federal support through the BBBC Fund gave the project the freedom to set up activities with a social aspect, even if they did not yet generate structural income. Most of the funds go to paying operational staff. The founder plays a supporting role and only takes a salary when operations allow. Profit is not a goal in itself: the project first needs to grow socially and substantively.
RE-LAB is demonstrating that circular business does not require a ready-made formula. Above all, it's a question of daring to experiment and learn. "RE-LAB can inspire others to rethink their processes: be more efficient with materials, create social value and build a future-oriented business model. Circular business doesn't have to be perfect right away - it starts with bold choices," confirms Jan Merckx, initiator of RE-LAB.
