Everyone is well aware of the environmental pollution and destruction caused by plastic. It has been more than decades of constant social awareness campaigns and inclusion in educational curriculums of “Plastic pollutes the environment”. Although a significant part of society is consciously taking steps to do something about the situation and creating a direct or indirect impact on the environment, most of those people are also unaware of all the forms of plastics to avoid. Fairly educated and consciously part of the population across the globe is unconscious sometimes even without a choice are surrounded by what are called ‘microplastics’. And these are far more dangerous than what the eye perceives. It's the iceberg that penetrated deep into the environment without knowledge or sight of the whole picture.

The fashion industry is increasingly acknowledging the importance of embracing zero waste practices and promoting sustainability. Zero waste in fashion refers to designing, producing, and consuming clothing in a way that generates little to no waste. This approach involves reimagining traditional manufacturing processes by minimizing material scraps and repurposing any waste generated back into the production cycle, thus reducing the overall environmental impact.

The global marketplace is evolving rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses in the creative manufacturing and handmade industries. In 2024, leveraging the Global Talent Pool has become a crucial strategy for promoting export potential in these sectors. This blog delves into the intricacies of harnessing the power of diverse talents worldwide to drive innovation, creativity, and competitiveness in creative manufacturing and handmade businesses.

The roots of African handmade crafts run deep, tracing back thousands of years. From the ancient Sahara to the bustling markets of today, each craft carries a unique story, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its creators. These crafts are more than mere objects; they are living expressions of cultural identities, symbolic meanings, and historical journeys.

Buyers all over the world are looking for both products that aren’t available in their domestic market and products at the right price, regardless of where they are sourced.Nowadays it is not unusual to be able to buy abroad and find the same product cheaper than you can find it domestically, even when shipping is included. This is especially true inside Europe but also outside in markets such as China and the U.S. The only thing buyers usually have to accommodate is increased shipping times. However, even this barrier is becoming blurred as retailers start to store inventory in local markets.

The undeniable truth is being conveyed by the trending TikTok videos showcasing the excitement of finding unique clothing items and sharing thrifting experiences. The popularity surge in second-hand fashion signifies a significant shift in perception. What was once considered as old and worn-out is now being embraced as a symbol of sustainability and circularity. Spearheaded by the younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, the second-hand market is projected to expand to a staggering $77 billion by the year 2025.