At a Glance
Location: Chile
Impact Areas: Labor Inclusion, Environment, Sustainable Income
People Supported:
Women
Joined NESsT Portfolio:
2021
Overview
Ecocitex is a circular economy enterprise with the mission to eliminate textile waste, above all that generated by the fast fashion industry. Textile waste is a significant problem in Chile. It’s estimated that 39,000 tons a year end up in landfills in the Chilean desert.
Founded and led by entrepreneur Rosario Hevia, Ecocitex recycles 69 tons of used, donated clothes every year. The Santiago-based enterprise also operates a clothing donation program tailored for communities in need. They have collected over 1.2 tons of clothing since 2022, which has positively impacted the lives of 220 individuals annually.
Three years ago, Ecocitex opened a production facility in Santiago, Chile to recycle used and donated clothing, while offering dignified employment and training opportunities to formerly incarcerated women, ensuring access to technical roles that have been historically reserved for men.
Today, Ecocitex partners with local retailers to sell upcycled and pre-owned products and to collect used clothing. Its repurposed products feature components crafted or upcycled by local sewing professionals who work in small or family-run workshops. Ecocitex supports these individuals – over 80% of whom are women and 35% from excluded groups – to grow their craft, enhance their skillsets, and improve their economic stability.
Results & Impact
220
individuals’ lives improved in 2022
80%
textile workers supported are women
69 tons
of used clothing recycled per year
“Ecocitex is an opportunity. It’s a project where together we can reduce textile waste and create great social impact that you can communicate. We are all working toward a shared goal: to eliminate textile waste.”
NESsT Investment
In June 2023, Ecocitex lost its textile factory to a fire, which destroyed its fabric recycling machines and stock of upcycled products. With support from NESsT, Ecocitex quickly transitioned to a new business model while staying true to its circular economy ethos.
With access to NESsT portfolio managers, Ecocitex has transitioned to a new format, addressing strategic issues such as financial models, supplier criteria, organizational roles, and day-to-day concerns like store layout. Ecocitex is now fully operational with a streamlined logistical model, serving a large customer base while staying true to its circular economy ethos. As it continues to expand its social impact as part of the NESsT accelerator, the enterprise aims to train more workers and strengthen local communities at each of its points of sale.
