UOB Closet x Loopers initiative turns donated pre-loved clothing into digital education for students in Thailand's most underserved communities.
UOB Thailand has launched UOB Closet x Loopers, a circular-fashion initiative that puts the philosophy of sustainable living into practice channelling donated pre-loved clothing from employees into funding for UOB My Digital Space (MDS), the Bank's digital classroom programme for underserved youth in remote communities across Thailand.
It is easy to participate. UOB employees donate quality, wearable garments they no longer use. Those items are listed under UOB Closet on the Loopers app, where anyone can browse and buy directly. Every baht from every sale goes to UOB My Digital Space a digital classroom initiative bridging the education gap for young Thais in remote communities.
The initiative is also built on Intentional Living, a philosophy that recognises that resources already in one's possession can create greater value for others than they do sitting unused. A garment donated with intention does not end its journey with the previous owner it finds a new owner through Loopers, and the proceeds go directly to UOB My Digital Space.
Partnering with Loopers, Thailand's circular fashion platform, UOB Thailand makes the garment donation process simple and measurable. Every garment recirculated is one less item entering the textile waste stream, and every sale moves UOB Thailand closer to the digital classrooms still to be built.
UOB Thailand is working towards expanding MDS to at least two additional schools beyond the 10 it currently serves, drawing on a range of community fundraising activities including the UOB Heartbeat Run, employee and customer contributions, and UOB Closet x Loopers.
Ms Dhornratana Olanhankij, Country Head of Brand, Media and Communications, UOB Thailand, said, "Sustainability starts with the small, intentional choices we make every day. Passing on a garment that still holds value is not just about reducing waste, it is about directing resources where they are needed most. We want to turn everyday decisions into real opportunities for young Thais who are still waiting for them."
Ms Pichamad Chaingam, Chief Executive Officer, Loopers, said, "Many people have clothes in their wardrobes that are rarely worn but still have value. Loopers was created to make it easier for people to pass those items on and extend their life cycle. We are excited to partner with UOB to demonstrate how organisations can play a role in encouraging circular fashion and reducing textile waste."
In its first year, UOB Closet x Loopers aims to circulate at least 1,000 garments. Based on global textile industry averages, this is estimated to save approximately 2.7 million litres of water and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 15,000 kg CO2 compared with producing equivalent new items.