Vomerce
Basic information
Project Title
Vomerce
Full project title
Reducing textile waste by providing an automated system to monetise used clothes
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
To reduce the amount of textiles that end up in landfill, Vomerce will enable all people to make money from all used clothes quickly and easily with a guaranteed price per kilo in an automated and instant way.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Poland
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
What is the problem?
According to the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, it is estimated that every Swede throws away an average of 8 kilos of textiles per year, which is almost 200 tonnes of textile waste every day.
According to ThredUp, 64% of the 32 billion garments produced each year end up in landfills.
This is happening because nowadays there is no way of disposing of unnecessary clothing that is eco-friendly, attractive and simple for the consumer.
An alternative solution is needed to ensure that people do not have to give away for free or throw away clothes. The sales of all unwanted textiles must be eco-friendly, simple and profitable.
What is the solution?
Vomerce will provide people with alternative ways to dispose of their clothes, thus reducing textile waste. Our solution enables all people to earn money from all used clothes quickly and easily with a guaranteed price per kilo at Reverse Vending Machines.
Using image analysis (near-infrared and visual spectroscopy) and x-ray scanning, our machines will be able to value users' textiles. The combination of these technologies protects us against frauds. Each user will receive an instant verification and valuation after putting the garments into the machine and will be able to choose whether to receive the money or select a charity to which Vomerce will donate the user's money.
Zero waste logistics is an important part of the project, so the textiles will be segregated in the machine and will go directly from the machine to the partners who buy clothes from Vomerce.
Customers:
Through our customer research we identified two main target groups - families with kids who are looking for a convenient way of disposing of clothes and Generation Z, who are interested in giving clothes a second life.
To reach the target audience, Vomerce will install machines in strategic locations, such as shopping malls, retail stores, and recycling stations, where individuals can easily access them.
According to the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, it is estimated that every Swede throws away an average of 8 kilos of textiles per year, which is almost 200 tonnes of textile waste every day.
According to ThredUp, 64% of the 32 billion garments produced each year end up in landfills.
This is happening because nowadays there is no way of disposing of unnecessary clothing that is eco-friendly, attractive and simple for the consumer.
An alternative solution is needed to ensure that people do not have to give away for free or throw away clothes. The sales of all unwanted textiles must be eco-friendly, simple and profitable.
What is the solution?
Vomerce will provide people with alternative ways to dispose of their clothes, thus reducing textile waste. Our solution enables all people to earn money from all used clothes quickly and easily with a guaranteed price per kilo at Reverse Vending Machines.
Using image analysis (near-infrared and visual spectroscopy) and x-ray scanning, our machines will be able to value users' textiles. The combination of these technologies protects us against frauds. Each user will receive an instant verification and valuation after putting the garments into the machine and will be able to choose whether to receive the money or select a charity to which Vomerce will donate the user's money.
Zero waste logistics is an important part of the project, so the textiles will be segregated in the machine and will go directly from the machine to the partners who buy clothes from Vomerce.
Customers:
Through our customer research we identified two main target groups - families with kids who are looking for a convenient way of disposing of clothes and Generation Z, who are interested in giving clothes a second life.
To reach the target audience, Vomerce will install machines in strategic locations, such as shopping malls, retail stores, and recycling stations, where individuals can easily access them.
Key objectives for sustainability
Vomerce contributes to society by creating incentives that encourage people to give clothes a second life and using textiles for recycling and upcycling. We help consumers take an active role in reducing waste and contribute to raising awareness about the environmental impact of fashion.
EU consumers discard 5.8 million tonnes of textiles every year, with only 25% of these post-consumer textiles being recycled. Our goal is to bring textiles into reuse, thereby increasing the amount of textiles that are recycled. Through upcycling products and materials are reused and repurposed, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact.
According to Bloomberg, the fashion industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for 10% of global pollution. Our solution contributes to putting clothes back into circulation and encouraging people to use second-hand clothes. More people will have access to good quality second-hand clothes, thus less textiles will end up in landfills.
Goal 12 - According to Bloomberg, the fashion industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for 10% of global pollution. The solution of buying clothes from people contributes to putting clothes back into circulation and encourages people to use second-hand clothes.
Goal 11– With our innovative Machines we can take control of the whole second-hand clothing market, contributing to the fight against fast fashion, while providing users with a quick sale of old clothes and continued access to high quality second-hand clothes.
Goal 1- All users will be able to choose whether they want to receive money or support the charities. One of Vomerce's aims is to be transparent and work with charities and donate financial aid to people below the poverty line.
Vomerce supports the transition to a circular economy by extending the life cycle of clothing items and reducing the environmental impact of
EU consumers discard 5.8 million tonnes of textiles every year, with only 25% of these post-consumer textiles being recycled. Our goal is to bring textiles into reuse, thereby increasing the amount of textiles that are recycled. Through upcycling products and materials are reused and repurposed, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact.
According to Bloomberg, the fashion industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for 10% of global pollution. Our solution contributes to putting clothes back into circulation and encouraging people to use second-hand clothes. More people will have access to good quality second-hand clothes, thus less textiles will end up in landfills.
Goal 12 - According to Bloomberg, the fashion industry is the second-largest industrial polluter, accounting for 10% of global pollution. The solution of buying clothes from people contributes to putting clothes back into circulation and encourages people to use second-hand clothes.
Goal 11– With our innovative Machines we can take control of the whole second-hand clothing market, contributing to the fight against fast fashion, while providing users with a quick sale of old clothes and continued access to high quality second-hand clothes.
Goal 1- All users will be able to choose whether they want to receive money or support the charities. One of Vomerce's aims is to be transparent and work with charities and donate financial aid to people below the poverty line.
Vomerce supports the transition to a circular economy by extending the life cycle of clothing items and reducing the environmental impact of
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The key objectives of the Vomerce project in terms of aesthetics and the quality of the user experience are centered around making clothing disposal and recycling not only environmentally friendly but also attractive, convenient, and profitable for people.
Environmental Awareness: The project raises awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, making users more conscious of their clothing consumption and disposal habits. This educational component adds value to the user experience.
Upcycling and Recycling: Vomerce's focus on upcycling and recycling encourages a sense of sustainability and responsibility in users. They can take pride in contributing to reducing textile waste and promoting a circular economy.
Profitability: Vomerce ensures that users can earn money from their used clothes, which is a key aspect of attracting and retaining participants. People should be encouraged to stop wasting clothes, and instead give them a second life. Vomerce will help everyone to do exactly that!
Charities: The project goes beyond profit by allowing users to choose to support charities with the proceeds from their clothing. This adds a philanthropic aspect to the experience, making it more meaningful for those who want to contribute to social causes.
Locations: The Reverse Vending Machines will be placed in strategic locations like shopping malls, retail stores, and recycling stations, making them easily accessible to the target audience.
Zero Waste Logistics: Vomerce's commitment to efficient logistics, where textiles are sorted and sent directly to partner buyers, ensures that the project is efficient and minimizes waste.
User-Friendly Experience: Users simply deposit their used clothing into the machine, and the machine's image analysis and scanning technologies quickly assess and value the textiles. This instant verification and valuation process is convenient for users.
Environmental Awareness: The project raises awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry, making users more conscious of their clothing consumption and disposal habits. This educational component adds value to the user experience.
Upcycling and Recycling: Vomerce's focus on upcycling and recycling encourages a sense of sustainability and responsibility in users. They can take pride in contributing to reducing textile waste and promoting a circular economy.
Profitability: Vomerce ensures that users can earn money from their used clothes, which is a key aspect of attracting and retaining participants. People should be encouraged to stop wasting clothes, and instead give them a second life. Vomerce will help everyone to do exactly that!
Charities: The project goes beyond profit by allowing users to choose to support charities with the proceeds from their clothing. This adds a philanthropic aspect to the experience, making it more meaningful for those who want to contribute to social causes.
Locations: The Reverse Vending Machines will be placed in strategic locations like shopping malls, retail stores, and recycling stations, making them easily accessible to the target audience.
Zero Waste Logistics: Vomerce's commitment to efficient logistics, where textiles are sorted and sent directly to partner buyers, ensures that the project is efficient and minimizes waste.
User-Friendly Experience: Users simply deposit their used clothing into the machine, and the machine's image analysis and scanning technologies quickly assess and value the textiles. This instant verification and valuation process is convenient for users.
Key objectives for inclusion
Accessibility is a fundamental consideration for Vomerce. We plan to strategically locate our Reverse Vending Machines in areas that are easily accessible to a broad range of users. By placing these machines in shopping malls, retail stores, and recycling stations.
Vomerce guarantees a clear and competitive price for the clothing items that users deposit. Users have the opportunity to earn money from their used clothing, making the service not only environmentally responsible but also financially beneficial.
The project empowers users by offering a charitable option. Users can choose whether to receive money for their used clothing or donate the proceeds to a charity of their choice. Collaborations with charities and donations to those in need further promote social equity.
The project's user-friendly interface is designed to accommodate a diverse audience. Whether users are tech-savvy or less familiar with technology, the design ensures that the service is accessible to individuals of varying abilities and age groups.
By promoting the reuse of clothing items and recycling, the project challenges the prevailing model of fast fashion and waste generation.
Vomerce guarantees a clear and competitive price for the clothing items that users deposit. Users have the opportunity to earn money from their used clothing, making the service not only environmentally responsible but also financially beneficial.
The project empowers users by offering a charitable option. Users can choose whether to receive money for their used clothing or donate the proceeds to a charity of their choice. Collaborations with charities and donations to those in need further promote social equity.
The project's user-friendly interface is designed to accommodate a diverse audience. Whether users are tech-savvy or less familiar with technology, the design ensures that the service is accessible to individuals of varying abilities and age groups.
By promoting the reuse of clothing items and recycling, the project challenges the prevailing model of fast fashion and waste generation.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens and civil society have played a pivotal role in shaping the Vomerce project, actively contributing to its development and helping define its impact. Their involvement has been instrumental in ensuring the project aligns with the needs and values of the community it serves.
Citizens, particularly families with children and Generation Z, have been deeply engaged in the project. Their participation began with the project's inception, where their preferences and challenges were thoroughly researched. This included surveys, focus groups, and public consultations to understand their clothing disposal habits, concerns, and aspirations. By actively involving citizens in this way, Vomerce gained insights into their needs and ensured the project's design was attuned to their requirements.
Citizens will play an essential role as users of the Reverse Vending Machines. They will provide real-time feedback on their experiences, ensuring that the machines' design and usability will continuously be refined.
The charitable aspect of the project further is engaging citizens and civil society. By offering users the option to donate their earnings to selected charities, Vomerce is empowering individuals to contribute to social causes. Citizen involvement in selecting the supported charities will play a critical role in ensuring that the project addresses pressing societal needs.
Citizens, particularly families with children and Generation Z, have been deeply engaged in the project. Their participation began with the project's inception, where their preferences and challenges were thoroughly researched. This included surveys, focus groups, and public consultations to understand their clothing disposal habits, concerns, and aspirations. By actively involving citizens in this way, Vomerce gained insights into their needs and ensured the project's design was attuned to their requirements.
Citizens will play an essential role as users of the Reverse Vending Machines. They will provide real-time feedback on their experiences, ensuring that the machines' design and usability will continuously be refined.
The charitable aspect of the project further is engaging citizens and civil society. By offering users the option to donate their earnings to selected charities, Vomerce is empowering individuals to contribute to social causes. Citizen involvement in selecting the supported charities will play a critical role in ensuring that the project addresses pressing societal needs.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The idea is innovative and unique in multiple aspects. Our approach to addressing textile waste in EU stands out by combining technology, convenience, and sustainability.
Through image analysis and X-ray scanning, we will assess and price the textiles. Providing a guaranteed price per kilo of used clothing differs from traditional donation-based models by offering a financial incentive to individuals.
The possibility for users to choose between receiving money or donating to charity is in line with social and environmental responsibility. The project's emphasis on zero-waste logistics improves the recycling process, reducing waste.
Vomerce's innovation includes technology, financial incentives, efficient logistics and support for charities. These aspects set us apart from conventional textile waste solutions. It is a unique and innovative solution to the textile waste problem in Europe.
Through image analysis and X-ray scanning, we will assess and price the textiles. Providing a guaranteed price per kilo of used clothing differs from traditional donation-based models by offering a financial incentive to individuals.
The possibility for users to choose between receiving money or donating to charity is in line with social and environmental responsibility. The project's emphasis on zero-waste logistics improves the recycling process, reducing waste.
Vomerce's innovation includes technology, financial incentives, efficient logistics and support for charities. These aspects set us apart from conventional textile waste solutions. It is a unique and innovative solution to the textile waste problem in Europe.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of the Vomerce project was characterized by the integration of various disciplines and fields of knowledge, reflecting a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach.
Environmental science and sustainability played a key role in shaping the project's foundation. The assistance of experts in these fields provided key insights into the fashion industry's environmental impact, textile waste management and sustainable practices. Their expertise has influenced the project's core mission of reducing textile waste and promoting responsible garment disposal practices.
Engineering and technology specialists have played a key role in developing the technical aspects of the project, particularly the returnable vending machines. This is a key aspect that is currently being focused on.
Entrepreneurship and innovation have played a significant role, and the founder's experience in this field has shaped the strategic direction of the project.
Environmental science and sustainability played a key role in shaping the project's foundation. The assistance of experts in these fields provided key insights into the fashion industry's environmental impact, textile waste management and sustainable practices. Their expertise has influenced the project's core mission of reducing textile waste and promoting responsible garment disposal practices.
Engineering and technology specialists have played a key role in developing the technical aspects of the project, particularly the returnable vending machines. This is a key aspect that is currently being focused on.
Entrepreneurship and innovation have played a significant role, and the founder's experience in this field has shaped the strategic direction of the project.
Methodology used
The Vomerce project was developed using the Lean Startup methodology, which served as the guiding approach throughout its design and implementation. This methodology is known for customer-centric approach, promoting efficient resource allocation and idea validation.
Vomerce started by building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the Reverse Vending Machine, focusing on delivering a functional product quickly. This MVP included essential features for users to deposit clothing and receive valuations.
Customer feedback was paramount in Vomerce's development. The project actively engaged with its target audience, including families with children and Generation Z, through various channels such as surveys, focus groups, and user testing. This customer-centric approach enabled the project to understand user preferences. The methodology emphasized that building a product that customers truly wanted was the most critical objective.
Lean Startup also encourages a mindset of being open to pivot or persevere based on insights gathered. Vomerce was prepared to make adjustments if initial assumptions were proven incorrect, showing adaptability in response to customer feedback and market dynamics. Continuous iteration was key, and the project embraced ongoing improvements in product functionality and user experience.
Vomerce started by building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) of the Reverse Vending Machine, focusing on delivering a functional product quickly. This MVP included essential features for users to deposit clothing and receive valuations.
Customer feedback was paramount in Vomerce's development. The project actively engaged with its target audience, including families with children and Generation Z, through various channels such as surveys, focus groups, and user testing. This customer-centric approach enabled the project to understand user preferences. The methodology emphasized that building a product that customers truly wanted was the most critical objective.
Lean Startup also encourages a mindset of being open to pivot or persevere based on insights gathered. Vomerce was prepared to make adjustments if initial assumptions were proven incorrect, showing adaptability in response to customer feedback and market dynamics. Continuous iteration was key, and the project embraced ongoing improvements in product functionality and user experience.
How stakeholders are engaged
At the academic level, Lund University played a pivotal role in the project's early stages. As the founder was studying in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation program at Lund University, this academic environment served as the breeding ground for innovative ideas. Mentors and professors at the university inspired and guided the founder, providing invaluable insights and knowledge that influenced the project's inception.
Minc Malmo, a pre-incubator program, further strengthened the project's development. Vomerce's participation in Minc Malmo connected the project to a network of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. The program provided access to expert advice, resources and a supportive ecosystem for early-stage startups. This level of commitment from Minc Malmo allowed Vomerce to refine its business model, access critical resources and benefit from advice from industry experts.
The added value of these stakeholder engagements is evident in the holistic approach to project development, offering a combination of academic inspiration, entrepreneurial mentorship, local and regional accessibility, and international alignment.
Minc Malmo, a pre-incubator program, further strengthened the project's development. Vomerce's participation in Minc Malmo connected the project to a network of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. The program provided access to expert advice, resources and a supportive ecosystem for early-stage startups. This level of commitment from Minc Malmo allowed Vomerce to refine its business model, access critical resources and benefit from advice from industry experts.
The added value of these stakeholder engagements is evident in the holistic approach to project development, offering a combination of academic inspiration, entrepreneurial mentorship, local and regional accessibility, and international alignment.
Global challenges
Globally, textile waste is a significant environmental challenge. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution and waste. Vomerce's local solution provides a means for individuals to responsibly dispose of clothing, reducing the amount of textiles ending up in landfills. This local initiative can have a collective impact on a global scale by curbing the environmental damage caused by fast fashion and textile waste.
Promoting a circular economy and encouraging sustainable consumption are critical global challenges. Vomerce's local solution emphasizes reusing and recycling textiles, extending the life cycle of clothing items. This approach contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry and encourages individuals to make more sustainable choices.
Vomerce's option to donate earnings to charities, particularly for people below the poverty line, addresses the global challenge of economic inequality and poverty. By providing a means for individuals to support charitable causes locally, the project has the potential to make a difference in addressing global social disparities.
Raising awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry is a global challenge. Vomerce's local educational efforts help inform the public about responsible clothing disposal and the consequences of fast fashion. This awareness can be instrumental in driving changes in consumer behavior on a broader scale.
Promoting a circular economy and encouraging sustainable consumption are critical global challenges. Vomerce's local solution emphasizes reusing and recycling textiles, extending the life cycle of clothing items. This approach contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry and encourages individuals to make more sustainable choices.
Vomerce's option to donate earnings to charities, particularly for people below the poverty line, addresses the global challenge of economic inequality and poverty. By providing a means for individuals to support charitable causes locally, the project has the potential to make a difference in addressing global social disparities.
Raising awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry is a global challenge. Vomerce's local educational efforts help inform the public about responsible clothing disposal and the consequences of fast fashion. This awareness can be instrumental in driving changes in consumer behavior on a broader scale.
Learning transferred to other parties
The Vomerce project offers several elements that can be effectively replicated and transferred to diverse locations, beneficiary groups, and contexts.
The technology and design of the Reverse Vending Machines, which are at the heart of the Vomerce project, can be replicated in a range of settings. Their practicality and environmental benefit make them suitable for installation in shopping malls, recycling stations, retail stores, and numerous other public spaces globally.
The zero-waste logistics approach adopted by Vomerce can be transferred to other waste management and recycling systems. Its principles of efficiency and sustainability can be adopted to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact in different materials and regions.
The user-friendly interfaces developed for the Reverse Vending Machines are adaptable to various contexts, promoting responsible disposal practices not only for clothing but also for other recycling initiatives.
The project's efforts to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry can be replicated in educational programs and campaigns. Such initiatives can inform the public about sustainability and responsible consumption in various contexts, helping to drive positive change.
The technology and design of the Reverse Vending Machines, which are at the heart of the Vomerce project, can be replicated in a range of settings. Their practicality and environmental benefit make them suitable for installation in shopping malls, recycling stations, retail stores, and numerous other public spaces globally.
The zero-waste logistics approach adopted by Vomerce can be transferred to other waste management and recycling systems. Its principles of efficiency and sustainability can be adopted to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact in different materials and regions.
The user-friendly interfaces developed for the Reverse Vending Machines are adaptable to various contexts, promoting responsible disposal practices not only for clothing but also for other recycling initiatives.
The project's efforts to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the fashion industry can be replicated in educational programs and campaigns. Such initiatives can inform the public about sustainability and responsible consumption in various contexts, helping to drive positive change.
Keywords
Sustainability
Textiles
Clothes
Recycling
Innovation
