Uptrade - the Paris-based startup that's fighting fabric waste

by Startacus Admin
Uptrade - the sustainable startup that's created a link between textile businesses with dormant stocks and those who need them in the upcycling or reuse economy.
We have written several times previously about how much the fashion industry contributes to pollution and CO2 emissions, whether it’s startups tackling fast fashion, or sustainable fashion shows for young people, or keeping ‘seconds’ and returns out of landfills.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development considers the fashion industry to be the second largest polluting industry in the world, responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, gulping up more than 1.5 trillion litres of water per year, and contributing to 20% of global wastewater. But fashion and textiles also rake in a lot of money and employ a lot of people, making them important industries. It’s no wonder that so many startups have these industries in their sights, but we still need more.
Paris-based startup Uptrade is another targeting specifically the waste side of fashion, which is significant. A first for a European company, Uptrade ‘rescues’ and upcycles unused fabrics, making fabric sourcing more sustainable. By finding ‘sleeping’ stock in Europe, they not only reduce unnecessary production and save CO2 emissions and water usage, they also provide the suppliers with a way to offload that fabric otherwise going to waste, and provide fashion designers with an ethical fabric source.
Being able to state on labels that the fabric comes from Uptrade also shows customers that a fashion label took a sustainable approach in creating that piece of clothing, which will appeal to many.
With 12% of fabric produced every year going to waste, ending up in landfills or being incinerated, a startup that rescues this perfectly good fabric and puts it to use is of great value on multiple levels. The startup joins the list of vital waste-reducing startups within the fashion and textiles industries that we look forward to seeing more and more of in the future.
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.

Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.

The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.

John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.

The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.

Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.

Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.

London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.

The lowdown on Dublin-based startup and NUI Maynooth spin-out Neuromod Devices and its innovative evidence-based bimodal neuromodulation treatment for chronic tinnitus.

With the clear shift towards generative AI, Richard Hayes, search director at digital marketing agency Catalyst explores what it means for SEO...
Published on: 19th August 2022
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.







- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.