The To Be Green startup, specializing in textile recovery and recycling, has been named Startup of the Month for March by Set.Up Guimarães. Created as a spin-off of the University of Minho, the company is virtually incubated at TecPark, the technology-focused incubator of Set.Up Guimarães.
Since its founding in 2019, To Be Green has embraced the circular economy as a solution to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Its team, composed of textile engineers, product and fashion designers, and skilled seamstresses, works daily to create innovative solutions that give textiles a new life at the end of their usage cycle.
To Be Green develops recycled and recyclable products, incorporating post-consumer fibers into various material combinations, such as recycled fabrics, TNT felt, and raw fiber.
Beyond product development, the startup offers a comprehensive solution for the recovery of discarded clothing, uniforms, and household textiles. After sorting and evaluation, items are either reused, upcycled, recycled, or, if they have no recovery potential, sent to landfill—always following the principles of the circular economy.
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. With the mandatory separate collection of textile waste set to take effect in January 2025, To Be Green strengthens its role in reducing waste and CO2 emissions. The startup also analyzes product circularity rates, highlighting the benefits of replacing virgin materials with recycled alternatives.
Swap platform and collection points
To encourage community participation, To Be Green provides a digital platform where users can photograph and share clothing they no longer use. Once validated, users receive points, which can be exchanged for new items within the app.
Additionally, to make the project more accessible, the company has set up collection centers in various municipalities, including Sintra, Pombal, Covilhã, Albergaria-a-Velha, Vila Real, and Guimarães.
The recognition as Startup of the Month for March by Set.Up Guimarães highlights the positive impact of To Be Green in promoting circular economy practices and sustainability within the textile sector. The company continues to expand its collection network and raise awareness about more responsible consumption, with the goal of scaling the initiative nationwide.