OUR PROCESS

UPCYCLED | SUSTAINABLE | COLLABORATIVE | CIRCULAR 

We believe that creativity is fostered through collective consciousness and collaboration. Each part of our process - from design through production - we do together. The sum of our shared talent and dedication is the foundation of our brand. 

 

Our products are a reflection of overcoming obstacles and committing to constant evolution on behalf of our team of artisans. They have grown into masters of sewing, screen printing, and constructing beautiful products out of recycled materials since they first began to make paper beads in 2008. Each product is made with love and respect throughout every step of the process.

 

T H E    M A T E R I A L S |  U P C Y C L E D   F A B R I C 
 mi eelo sources all of its fabric locally in Guatemala from The New Denim Project (TNDP). They are committed to redefining consumption through the creation of recycled textiles that are all 100% natural and compostable. All the fabric is derived from post-industrial waste that has been shredded, cleaned, opened and re-spun into premium upcycled cotton textile. TNDP strives for continuous positive design and development cycles, minimization of environmental impact and decreasing the amount of waste that goes into landfills. 

C I R C U L A R   P R O C E S S
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Honest and circular processes are at the core of mi eelo. The international textile industry is a controversial but highly important industrial sector. In 2021, the global textile industry was valued at USD 920 billion, and  is expected to reach USD 1,230 billion by 2024. The industry has mainly been criticized for unsafe working conditions and toxic environmental impacts. This is even more relevant as 60% of textile manufacturing facilities are located in the Global South in countries like Indonesia, India, Bangladesh and Mexico. In Guatemala, this industry is an emerging sector, making up 9% of all domestic industry. At mi eelo, we are highlighting an opportunity for an ethical shift. 

 

We challenge the status quo within this industry centered on consumerism through the innovative use of manual processes that reduce impact on the environment and utilize recycled materials.