When a group of enthusiasts in Čakovec, Croatia, registered the social cooperative Humana Nova, they were simply working under the EU-funded ESCO project to employ people with disabilities. They had no idea that 15 years later the cooperative would have 60+ employees and nearly €2.5 million in annual revenue. Today, Humana Nova is a leader in social entrepreneurship, employing people from vulnerable groups through sustainable textile production and used textiles management.
At the time we registered Humana Nova as a social cooperative, such a model of social enterprise did not exist in Croatia. Fifteen years later, Humana Nova is an award-winning example of good practices, recognised as a leading European model for managing surplus textiles. Our business results improve year after year: our revenue is growing, the team is expanding, and we are forming more business partnerships, while collecting record amounts of textiles. We reinvest 100 percent of our profits. Currently, we employ 61 people, including 37 people with disabilities and 20 members of other vulnerable groups. The latter include minorities, people with lower education levels and others who face discrimination in the labour market.
At our 1,200 square-meter facility in Čakovec, Humana Nova transforms used textiles into unique new products. Non-wearable cotton is cut into industrial rags or recycled into felt. We also sew high-quality textile products from new, certified and locally sourced materials, primarily for B2B clients. We have our own sustainable fashion collection, a webshop, and a second hand shop, located at our facility in Čakovec. The store is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering high-quality, well-preserved pieces of clothing.
Beyond production, we carry out activities to raise environmental and social awareness. We host lectures on the circular economy and work integration, run creative recycling workshops for youth, and lead household textile collection campaigns.
As we approach our 15th anniversary, we want to thank our customers, partners, donors and volunteers. You all helped build this success story. It has a tangible impact on our society and our environment, as well as an important economic impact that ensures our long-term sustainability. Let's keep growing together !
