We developed this project as part of the HUSO2426 Sustainability and Creativity course for RERE, a Vietnamese business specialising in upcycling pre-consumer and discarded textiles into toys and everyday items. While recycling practices are common among businesses in Vietnam, the upcycling model is relatively new. Together with social stigma toward pre-owned textile goods and rising consumerism, this creates challenges to RERE’s growth. Therefore, “Forever Yours” will address these gaps and support broader sustainability goals.
The idea of “Forever Yours” comes from a B2B insight: Businesses promote their brand by giving out freebies, but when too many are produced, they lose their value and eventually are left forgotten or thrown away. The project provides the solution where RERE partners with other brands across industries to turn overproduced merchandise made from fabric into new, functional items using the exact original materials. For the end users, this project turns their pre-owned freebie collections into personalised items, allowing them to “re-ownˮ their own items, instead of telling customers to use secondhand items from others.
Through “Forever Yours”, RERE promotes upcycling by showcasing items as artisanal creations handcrafted by skilled rural artisans. It also serves as a win-win B2B branding strategy, where partner brands extend their visibility with customers, while RERE generates revenue and raises its profile. Because the work builds on existing production and utilises partnerships with local businesses, it is highly feasible for young organisations like RERE since it requires minimal extra resources and offers a scalable impact. Besides functionality, “Forever Yours” encourages environmentally conscious consumption and builds emotional attachment to each product through the use of repurposed materials, personalised design, and product tags that tell the story of how it was made and by whom, thereby reducing the likelihood it will be discarded.
With a strong commitment to creating meaningful change both locally and beyond, “Forever Yours” aligns holistically with the three pillars of sustainability. Economically, it supports local enterprises like RERE and its partner organisations. Environmentally, it reduces textile waste and encourages circular, responsible business practices and consumption behaviours. Socially, it fosters ethical labour practices and supports rural communities. Collectively, the project contributes to SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 17.
