Aware that uniforms create significant pressure on landfills, PolyU alumna Emma Yu Sin-wan decided to start a business to upcycle old uniforms into tote bags, cushions and other products. Her innovative PolyU-nurtured startup has been placed on the esteemed Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2024 List, recognising Emma’s efforts and her inspiration to her generation.

Pioneering sustainability by repurposing uniforms

Dress Green, co-founded by Emma, a graduate of PolyU’s Master of Arts in Bilingual Corporate Communication, has been recognised in the Social Impact category of the Forbes List for promoting sustainability and creating job opportunities for the disadvantaged. Emma identified a gap in the recycling market where uniforms were often overlooked. With a vision to minimise landfill waste, she reduces textile waste by upcycling discarded school and business uniforms into trendy, eco-friendly apparel and accessories such as bags, hats, and ornaments, significantly enhancing their sustainability.

This design-based social enterprise also provides job opportunities by engaging unemployed textile workers, housewives, and disadvantaged groups. Since its launch in 2021, the startup has upcycled 3,000 uniforms into over 4,000 products, providing more than 3,500 working hours. It has partnered with over 20 companies, including Kerry Properties and Veolia, and offers workshops to raise environmental awareness.

PolyU supports startups from concept to reality

The success of the startup highlights PolyU’s effort in nurturing startups and inspiring future entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. Dress Green is a perfect example of benefitting from the University’s funding, resources, and mentorship. It began with substantial seed funding from the PolyU Micro Fund and flourished within the workspace at the PolyU InnoHub. The technical support and training offered by the Industrial Centre for the use of machines and software also provided an invaluable innovation environment. Emma furthermore gained numerous opportunities to participate in entrepreneurship competitions, exchange ideas, and build connections among the PolyU startup community.

PolyU is a breeding ground for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through its PolyVentures initiative, the University has trained more than 7,600 entrepreneurs and established over 500 startups over the years.