Upcycling in the Spotlight: ReFAB Studio Launches Innovation Award at New Designers 2025

ReFAB Studio, a pioneering force in sustainable design and upcycling, is making waves this summer with the launch of a brand new accolade: The ReFAB Studio Award for Innovation in Upcycling. Debuting at New Designers 2025, this award celebrates bold and imaginative reuse of materials, and marks a significant milestone in ReFAB’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation of designers toward circular, zero-waste design.

Now in its fifth year of driving change through creative reuse, ReFAB Studio is expanding its impact with both an industry-first award and a collaborative educational event. The ReFAB Studio Mini Masterclass – “Recrafting Waste: Upcycling, Upskilling and Sustainable Design” will take place on Thursday 3rd July from 3:30 to 4:15 pm at the Business Design Centre, Islington. Led by ReFAB’s Founder Rewati Prabhu and Head of Design Cordelia Blair-Stickland, the session will guide attendees through practical, innovative approaches to turning waste into design opportunity.

A Groundbreaking Award for Sustainable Design

The ReFAB Studio Award for Innovation in Upcycling is designed to spotlight emerging talent whose work embodies:

1. Innovative reuse and re-imagination of materials
2. A commitment to zero-waste processes
3. The ability to promote circular economy practices across the UK
4. Potential to reduce textile waste on a systemic scale

The winner will receive a £300 cash prize, £200 worth of ReFAB Studio products, and a design collaboration opportunity with ReFAB Studio—a unique chance to scale up their creative impact.

(ReFAB products such as cushion covers, bags, drawstring bags, table runners and purses made from luxury waste fabrics at the FC Designer Collective shop.)

(Repair and Upcycle free drop-in sessions held at the FC Designer Collective shop bi-monthly – tap here for further details)

Driving Change Through Collaboration

ReFAB Studio’s efforts are bolstered by longstanding partnerships, most notably with Fashion-Enter Ltd and its inclusive retail space, the FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road. As collaborators and champions of circular fashion, Fashion-Enter and ReFAB share a deep-rooted commitment to reducing textile waste through repair, upskilling, and upcycling. Their joint work continues to serve as a model for community-based innovation and ethical production.

ReFAB’s focus this year is firmly on tackling one of the industry’s most overlooked problems: interior textile waste. According to WRAP, over 700,000 tonnes of interior textiles are discarded into UK landfill every year. ReFAB’s targeted work with textile students has already led to the salvage of over 1,000 kg of designer remnants and the upskilling of over 70 community tailors and students—proving that waste can be a beginning, not an end.

Looking Ahead

With the award launch and masterclass, ReFAB Studio is taking its message to a wider audience—empowering designers, makers, and students to view waste not as a byproduct, but as a resource. This is more than just a moment for celebration—it’s a rallying call for creative responsibility and systemic change.

Don’t miss get your free tickets before 23 June: Reserve your place here

For more on the ReFAB Studio Mini Masterclass, visit: Event page