A New Life for Textiles
Every week, millions of unwanted garments arrive in Ghana, where they pass through Kantamanto Market, one of the world's largest second-hand clothing markets. Based in Accra, The Or Foundation works at the intersection of environmental justice, material innovation and fashion, developing practical solutions that transform textile waste into valuable new products. Through its Material Technology and Transformation Lab (MTTL), the organisation is creating a justice-led circular economy, demonstrating how discarded clothing can become the foundation for new materials while supporting local communities and livelihoods.
At Material Matters London, The Or Foundation will present two pioneering material innovations developed from waste textiles sourced in Kantamanto. Cassaboard, a recycled biocomposite made from post-consumer clothing and cassava-based binders, is used to create acoustic panels, wall treatments and the new Foose Acoustics speaker collection. Alongside it, Tarnty transforms discarded T-shirts into a circular yarn for knitting, weaving and craft. Together, they offer a compelling example of how material innovation can address one of fashion's greatest environmental challenges while creating lasting social and economic value.