Hello, Mónica, thank you for joining the Canussa team today. To begin, can you tell us who Mónica Rodríguez is?
Sure, I am the co-founder of Recovo. I consider myself a very creative person, focused on making things happen, especially in complex projects. Recovo is a platform that fights against textile waste in the fashion industry. We recover surplus materials from fashion brands, digitize them, and put them up for sale so that other brands can use them in their collections, thus reducing environmental impact.
How did the idea of creating Recovo come about? Were you already in the fashion world?
Yes, I have always been connected to fashion. In university, I started a clothing brand that grew, and I eventually manufactured my own garments. I realized the amount of leftover fabric after each collection, even in a small brand. After working at companies like L'Oréal and Inditex, I decided to venture out again, seeking a solution to a significant problem with a positive impact. Together with my partner Gonzalo, we identified the major issue of textile waste and decided to create a marketplace that connects companies with surplus materials to those who want to buy them.
What is Recovo's main objective and how does it work?
Our main goal is to reduce textile waste in the fashion industry. We do this by recovering surplus materials from fashion brands, digitizing them, and putting them up for sale on our platform. This way, other brands can access these materials and use them in their collections, contributing to more sustainable fashion. Additionally, we provide impact data so that brands can see the environmental benefits of using these materials.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced since starting?
One of the biggest challenges has been educating and changing the mindset of companies to consider reusing fabrics instead of always opting for new materials. Even though we present ourselves as an option that doesn't affect daily operations, changing processes and purchasing decisions in large companies is complicated. Staying motivated and focused on our long-term vision has also been crucial. We want more brands to adopt reuse as part of their sustainability strategy.
What kind of companies can benefit from Recovo's services?
All companies, regardless of their size, can benefit from our services. We work with small brands that need fewer meters of fabric and large companies that handle large volumes of surplus. Our catalog includes small yardages to large quantities, allowing us to serve a wide variety of clients.
What role does technology play in Recovo?
Technology is fundamental to us. Our platform connects the surplus of one brand with another that needs it, facilitating the buying and selling of these materials. Additionally, we provide impact data associated with each purchase so brands can see the environmental benefits of their decisions. Recently, we also acquired a digitization machine that allows customers to test fabrics digitally before making a prototype, further reducing waste.
What are Recovo's future plans?
We want fashion brands to incorporate a significant percentage of reused materials into their collections. We also offer software for companies to manage their own surplus internally before selling it. In the long term, our vision is for material reuse to become a standard practice in the fashion industry. We also plan to expand into new markets, such as the United States.
How do you see the future of fashion and Recovo's role in it?
The future of fashion lies in sustainability. Many brands are already actively seeking sustainable alternatives, but there is still much to be done. Legislation is also starting to drive these changes. In the long term, I hope that material reuse becomes a common practice. Awareness is increasing, especially among younger generations, and we hope this continues to grow.
What message would you give to other companies looking to adopt more sustainable practices?
My advice would be to start by identifying the specific problems they can solve within their supply chain and look for sustainable alternatives that fit their needs. Reusing materials is not only beneficial for the environment but can also be a cost-effective option. It's important to stay motivated and focused on the long-term vision of creating a positive impact in the industry.
Thank you very much for sharing your time and vision with us, Mónica. It has been a pleasure to meet you!
Thank you. The pleasure is mine!