ECCI backed social enterprise launches mega-sale on recycled uniforms

ApparelXchange, a new Glasgow-based social enterprise and alumnus of ECCI's Climate-KIC Accelerator, is launching four days of mega-sales of low cost quality pre-worn school uniform this month.

The company is dedicated to sustainable clothing and to changing the way we buy, use and dispose of uniforms for social and environmental benefits.

The mega sale, which will kicks off on Friday 27 July 2018 at 12 noon, includes items selling at only £2.50. The sale, at 124 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands Arcade, will run until Saturday 4 August.

The drive comes after a fantastic start to the year for ApparelXchange who scooped a £10,000 Lottery Awards For All award in May and £5,000 funding from First Port back in February. With the help of several primary and secondary schools, ApparelXchange have diverted more than 2,100 garments from landfill and saved nearly 6 eqCO2t of carbon emissions through reuse and recycling - the equivalent to saving energy to taking three cars off the road in the UK for a year.

Earlier this year, ApparelXchange completed stage one of the Climate-KIC Accelerator programme at ECCI - the EU-funded business support programme which offers entrepreneurs coaching, workshops and funding of up to 60,000 euros to take their markets by storm. ECCI currently supports 23 start-ups through Climate-KIC business growth programmes.

Izzie Eriksen, founding Director of ApparelXchange, said:

“School uniforms have a huge impact on the environment, causing the same pollution as fashion - and they are a big expense each year for families.

"I was inspired to do something about it when my children started school and saw the potential to work with schools across Glasgow and Scotland to really change the way we use clothing for the better.”

“Being part of ECCI and the Climate-KIC programme has been hugely beneficial for us.

"As well as the excellent specialist training and mentorship we received as part of the Accelerator, being part of ECCI brings credibility and access to a thriving network of low carbon professionals who have inspired us and offered invaluable peer-to-peer support.”

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