What drove you to create INMAKULATE?
INMAKULATE was conceived in 2005, spurred by a passion for crafting garments and textiles with a greater sense of ethics and ecology. My experiences as a fashion and textile designer, creating samples and collections across diverse cultures and production environments, highlighted the industry's stark imbalances. Witnessing first-hand the adverse ecological and social impacts, INMAKULATE emerged as a collaborative force, uniting like-minded individuals dedicated to sustainable creation.
The pivotal moment came in 2010 when INMAKULATE funded my MA in Fashion and the Environment at the London College of Fashion. This education led to a transformative shift in our business approach towards incorporating robust research and development. We embraced local UK-based projects, embedding circular economy principles into our operations. This shift also sparked our foray into biomimicry and systems thinking, enriching our strategy and broadening our perspective on sustainable initiatives.
Furthermore, our workshops have become a platform for discourse on the industry's challenges. The seeds of regenerative practice and bio-based materials were sown early in our journey, but it was my Ph.D. research in Regenerative Sustainability at Central Saint Martins that truly integrated action research into our framework, considering the inner dimensions of sustainability. As we continue to grow, INMAKULATE is not just a brand; it's a testament to the transformative potential of sustainable practices. We've seen our approach resonate with clients and collaborators alike, fostering a community that values transparency, innovation, and respect for the environment. Looking ahead, we're committed to expanding our impact, inspiring change within the industry, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world through our work.
Can you elaborate on the specific frameworks or methodologies that you use to help businesses assess and enhance their sustainability?
In our practice at INMAKULATE, we begin by understanding a business's unique position on its sustainability journey. Our initial assessment mirrors coaching techniques, focusing on uncovering the interplay between personal values and the business's sustainability goals, vision, and mission. This alignment is vital, setting the stage for co-creating tailored commitments that yield impactful results and ensure that the business's strategy resonates with stakeholders' aspirations.
Once this foundational alignment is established, we move to delineate the business's overarching sustainability principles. Through workshop-style engagements with leadership teams, we delve into clarifying key focus areas that resonate with the company's core objectives. This critical phase involves leveraging and customizing recognized sustainability frameworks-such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global.
Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the Doughnut Economic model, Life Cycle Footprints (LCFs), along with our bespoke regenerative and holistic models, to align with the organization's mission and vision.
Identifying opportunities for regeneration and transformation is our next step toward enhancing socio-ecological well-being. We collaborate closely with stakeholders to refine their strategies, crafting frameworks that best suit their specific goals. Personalized tools are then developed to measure and track sustainability and regenerative impacts effectively. These bespoke tools are integrated alongside established frameworks to provide a comprehensive, dynamic approach to sustainability assessment and enhancement.
Our methodology is dynamic, iterative, and deeply collaborative, ensuring that sustainability is not just a checkbox but a transformative force within the business.
INMAKULATE emphasizes regenerative design and bio-based materials from waste. Which approaches do you employ to leverage waste biomaterials?
Regenerative design transcends the traditional sustainability narrative by advocating for a net positive impact on our environment. It's a concept that has gained traction not just as a buzzword but as a transformative approach. In our consultancy at INMAKULATE, we've honed our practice to weave regenerative design principles with other sustainability frameworks, offering a comprehensive lens through which companies can evaluate and navigate the transitional stages of their projects. This approach champions the dynamism of development, viewing each idea, product, or service as a part of an infinite continuum rather than a static target. System thinking is integral here, revealing the limitless past and potential future of each venture.
Bio-based materials derived from waste are central to our ethos. Our trademarked Holistic Resource Management Framework (HRMF ™) positions waste not as an endpoint but as a valuable resource awaiting reintegration. We leverage a robust database initiated during my PhD research, which, coupled with our tools, allows us to gauge the impact of these materials. This informed analysis steers the strategic direction of material flows and product life cycles.
The surge in interest for bio-based materials from waste is promising, yet it comes with a learning curve regarding their long-term ecological effects. Our commitment at INMAKULATE is to continually deepen our understanding and refine our approaches to these materials. By doing so, we aim to not only innovate but also ensure that the materials we champion are truly beneficial for the planet.
Could you share insights into collaborations with organizations like Textile Exchange, Sustainable Fashion Association of Peru (AMSP), and others?
Our partnerships are vital threads woven into the broader tapestry of sustainability. In 2006, our paths converged with Textile Exchange, then Organic Exchange, as we embarked on a pilot project featuring organic cotton. A pivotal encounter with M&S introduced us to their commendable work with organic cotton farmers. Our engagement at their summits led to an invitation to speak at their annual conference in Paraguay, sparking dialogue and subsequent collaborations between cotton farmers, manufacturers, and brands on organic cotton's future in Europe. Observing Textile Exchange's evolution toward regenerative approaches and holistic practices has been gratifying, mirroring our growth trajectory.
The Sustainable Fashion Association of Peru (AMSP) has been another enriching collaborator. Our introduction came as we were nurturing two projects in Peru, one with organic cotton and another aimed at certifying sustainable alpaca practices within a women's cooperative. We have engaged in sustainability conferences during Peru's fashion week, co-created a short course on sustainability tailored for small businesses and independent designers, and contributed to their online discussions.
Our collaborations extend across South America, including managing projects with the Colombian Embassy in the UK and curating a showcase of emerging designers at London Fashion Week, which highlighted the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. These experiences have deepened our understanding of South American textile supply chains, artisanal crafts, indigenous leadership, and academic pursuits.
Each collaboration has been instrumental in shaping our consultancy's ethos, grounding our work in the rich cultural context and shared aspirations for a sustainable future. Our recent partnerships with institutions such as the University of the Arts London (UAL), Meke, and CENICAFE have further refined our understanding of the intricate interplay between biology, agriculture, science, art, and regenerative practices. These interdisciplinary collaborations have been pivotal in informing our approach and methodologies.
One tangible outcome of these synergies is the development of BIOMA.COFFEE™, our innovative bio-based material derived from coffee waste. This material encapsulates our commitment to sustainability and is a testament to the potential of cross-sector collaboration. We are excited to officially unveil BIOMA.COFFEE™ in the spring of 2024, marking a new chapter in sustainable material science that harmonizes ecological responsibility with artistic and scientific innovation.
How does INMAKULATE leverage its expertise networks in regenerative design, blockchain transparency, and sustainable literacy to craft tailored workshops for clients seeking sustainable solutions?
INMAKULATE draws upon a rich knowledge base of expertise in regenerative design, blockchain transparency, and sustainable literacy to offer bespoke workshops tailored to our clients’ sustainability ambitions. Our approach is holistic; we don't just impart.
Knowledge - we facilitate an environment where participants can actively engage with the material, understand the interconnections, and visualize the impact of their actions. In regenerative design, our network of seasoned professionals, including architects, scientists, and artists, brings a wealth of interdisciplinary insights. We create hands-on sessions that illustrate how principles of regenerative design can be incorporated into business practices to foster ecosystems that thrive.
For blockchain transparency, we tap into tech experts to demystify the blockchain and elucidate how its incorruptible ledger can be a game-changer for supply chain visibility. Participants learn how to employ blockchain to track product journeys, ensuring that every link in the supply chain aligns with their sustainability criteria.
When it comes to sustainable literacy, we believe in empowering decision-makers and teams with the language and frameworks necessary to navigate the sustainability landscape confidently. Our workshops don't just teach; they immerse attendees in the dialogue of sustainability, ensuring they leave not just informed but fluent in the concepts and applications of sustainable business practices. By tailoring our workshops to the specific goals and contexts of our clients, we ensure they leave equipped not just with knowledge, but with practical, actionable strategies to implement sustainable solutions within their organizations.
