Our Sustainable Fashion and Circular Economy Festival, held on 14 November 2025 at the Metalska jezgra hall in Čakovec, once again proved that fashion has the power to transform communities, reduce textile waste, and create jobs for those for whom such opportunities matter most. The event was organised with the support of the Međimurje County Tourist Board and as part of the activities of the Erasmus+ project Recikliraj – ‘Intergenerational Creative Recycling’, implemented in cooperation with our partners Društvo Mozaik and Zavod Mensana from Slovenia.
Festival: A Blend of Creativity, Sustainability and Social Inclusion
At the festival, visitors had the opportunity to see fashion shows featuring Humana Nova collections made from recycled materials. Particular attention was drawn to the unique pieces worn by our employees, who through the runway demonstrated how creative and practical sustainable fashion can be, as well as the significant impact it has on creating jobs within the community.
The festival also featured presentations of projects that are transforming communities and promoting the circular economy:
- RECIKLIRAJ – an Erasmus+ project focused on intergenerational creative recycling
- DECIDE – Digitalne usluge za razvoj kružnog gospodarstva.
- DeCo – a sustainable design initiative within the Interreg Europe programme.
Visitors were able to take part in creative textile recycling workshops, learn practical techniques for reusing materials, and see how discarded textiles can become a valuable resource..
At the exhibition booths of local organizations, products from Humana Nova, the Autism Association ‘Pogled’, and the Slovenian social enterprise Mensana were showcased, ranging from bags and backpacks to clothing and fashion accessories. The festival also provided an opportunity for intergenerational interaction, as well as the exchange of ideas and experiences on sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and the circular economy.
Turning Textile Waste into a Resource
In an industry where tons of clothing are discarded every day, we choose a different approach. Our circular textile management process includes:
- Collection and sorting of used materials
- reuse and redesign
- Production of industrial cloths from materials unsuitable for sewing
- Sending the remaining textiles for further recycling
In this way, we significantly reduce the amount of waste that would end up in landfills, while simultaneously creating new products and new jobs. We showcased this very combination at the Festival.
Our vision goes beyond creating a good product
Our work is recognized by partners both in Croatia and abroad, and interest in collaborations and transferring our model grows year by year. We aim for the concept of sustainable fashion, as well as the circular economy, to spread — not just as a trend, but as a responsible way of doing business and living.
Why We Do What We Do
Because we believe that fashion can be a tool for social change.
Because we know that responsible resource management protects nature.
Because everyone deserves the opportunity for work and dignity.
Because together we can create a system that is fairer, more sustainable, and more humane.
Thanks to the Međimurje County Tourist Board for recognizing the importance of this project, as well as for the collaboration we were able to achieve with other stakeholders – exhibitors, performers, and suppliers – with their help and support.
Take a look at how it went in the gallery.
