Bayo Manila’s collaboration with the PTRI marks a significant move toward reducing environmental impacts in the textile sector, focusing on waste reduction and sustainable practices.
A significant step toward sustainability in the Philippine fashion industry has been taken with the collaboration between the homegrown brand Bayo Manila and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). This partnership is part of the Textile Revitalized (TexRev) Project, aimed at addressing the industry’s contributions to environmental issues, including waste pollution and carbon emissions.
The fashion industry has long been recognized for its substantial environmental impact, with the textile sector contributing to water degradation and land use. In 2020, it was reported that the textile industry was the third-largest contributor to these environmental concerns. The fast fashion segment of this industry was identified as having a carbon footprint that is 11 times higher than that of traditional fashion. Fabric scraps are a prevalent form of fashion waste, leading to growing environmental harm.
In the Philippines, spending on clothing and footwear has reached approximately ?232 billion, further increasing the worry over textile and fashion waste. Furthermore, a study from 2015 indicated that the Philippines ranks as the third-largest producer of mismanaged plastic waste, compounding the urgency to develop sustainable practices within the fashion sector.
Recognizing the pressing need for environmental reform, Bayo Manila disclosed that it generates around 16 tons of textile waste each year. To combat this, the brand has embraced sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The TexRev Project aims to repurpose discarded fabrics into high-quality yarns, a process that helps significantly reduce both water and energy consumption throughout production.
“Through our commitment to the UN Global Compact and collaborations with PTRI, we are proving that a Filipino fashion brand can be a leader in circular fashion, making an impact both locally and globally. We believe that the future of fashion is truly circular,” said Anna Losanta Marie A. Lagon, Co-CEO of Bayo Manila, Inc., during the 2025 National Textile Convention (TELACon).
The TexRev Yarn, developed through this innovative process, comes in a variety of colors and involves several key steps. First, textile waste generated by Bayo is collected and sorted by color and material. The sorted fabrics are then cut, shredded into fibers, and tested for quality. These fibers undergo further processing to remove impurities before being spun into yarns. For added strength and durability, the yarns are blended with virgin materials, followed by the weaving of fabrics and finishing treatments such as dyeing, water repellence, and antimicrobial coating.
The ultimate goal of the TexRev Project is not just waste reduction but a comprehensive and systemic shift within the fashion industry. The initiative aspires to reshape industry norms, practices, and potentially influence regulatory frameworks as a model for sustainable transformation. Through these efforts, Bayo Manila and the PTRI are positioning themselves at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement in the Philippines.
Source: Noah Wire Services
