Product Designer

CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT Funded by the VF Foundation, Redress is embarking on a new project to delve deeper into recycling options in and around Hong Kong that can serve the needs of Redress and the broader community. This project aims to bring system changes to deal with Hong Kong's post-consumer clothing waste; outline practical guidelines for local clothing waste recycling; stimulate the local economy; and, ultimately, reduce clothing to landfill. Redress hopes to demonstrate that Hong Kong has the potential to be a frontrunner in Asia for closing the loop on unwearable clothing, transforming them into new textiles or products in advance of inevitable legislation.

Through this project, we will

• research recycling options for clothing in the region and run pilot tests;
• continue our collaboration with the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textile and Apparel (HKRITA) to prototype various products from recycled yarn;
• engage with industry players;
• work with an independent designer/s to come up with product prototypes from waste streams to foster local small-scale closed-loop solutions and test market viability. This will also serve to explore creative solutions for problematic textile waste streams, supporting our efforts to keep unwanted or unfit-for-use clothing in local circulation/reuse.

THE BRIEF We are therefore calling out to passionate, sustainability-minded product designers who are interested in joining this exciting project spanning over 7 months.

If you are selected, you will deliver a minimum of 3 prototypes made by AsIia-based manufacturers using post-consumer clothing from Hong Kong. The detailed design, manufacturing techniques, cost, and environmental impact of your prototypes will be included in a published case study to support retailers and other organizations with easy-to-implement solutions for their clothing waste.

Redress will need to understand the process of evaluating 5 to 10 different prototypes before narrowing down to the final 3 prototypes. A concise report detailing the development of the prototypes, including the challenges encountered and reasons for the final selection is required from the designer.

The prototypes can be made using downcycled/upcycled textile materials such as (but not limited to) non-woven fibre, thermo-heat compress board, resin textile board, etc.

As post-consumer clothing is a mix of various fibres, colours, and clothing categories, priority should be given to products that can be made with mixed fibres and various colours.

There are no specific restrictions regarding the type of product you’ll design; it does not need to be fashion-related. The requirement is that it should be a useful product that can be manufactured on a small scale (i.e., 1,000 pieces).

Redress will be in charge of the manufacturers/recyclers outreach and will support you in communicating with them for the prototyping. If you have your own contacts that you can work with, this will be taken into consideration.

Redress will provide input materials (mixed post-consumer clothing, not in wearable condition) and handle its shipment to manufacturers for prototyping.

Redress will hold regular progress review meetings every month with the designer to assess the development status of the prototype. These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss milestones achieved, address any challenges, and align on next steps to ensure the project remains on track.

The selected designer will receive compensation of up to HK$48,000. A separate budget has been set aside for the manufacturing. This project doesn't require the designer to physically be in Hong Kong but is preferred to be in Asia.

TIMELINE

• Open for application until deadline: 24th August 2025
• Notification of shortlisted candidates: 25th - 26th August 2025
• Calls with shortlisted candidates: 27th August - 3rd September 2025
• Project dates:
• • Designer development of products: 15th September 2025 - 15th December 2025
  • Designer produces prototypes with manufacturers in Asia/HK: 15th December 2025 - 31st March 2026

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Product designers with a demonstrated interest in sustainable and circular design.
2. A strong portfolio showcasing creativity, originality, and a commitment to sustainability in sustainable design.
3. Critical thinkers with experience in taking a design from an idea to a prototype.
4. Comfortable working in an English-speaking environment.
5. Preference will be given to candidates located in Asia for easier communication and management of prototypes manufacturing.

HOW TO APPLY Interested applicants are invited to submit an initial concept fitting the above brief. We are not looking for a fully-fledged idea but will be selecting the designers based on their concept, which you will then refine and develop along with further concepts.

Please refer to our latest report for an idea of the types of garments that fit the criteria of unwearable from p37 onwards: https://www.redress.com.hk/hk-clothing-waste

Please send your submission here. You will need to include:

• At least 1 product design - your idea, initial sketches, explanatory paragraphs as needed
• Some work samples: products/models, photographs, or other pictures of your recent product design work (website, catalogue, portfolio, etc.)
• Your updated CV
• Your current location (city, country)

Submission deadline: 24th August 2025 Join us in shaping the future of sustainable fashion. We look forward to hearing from you!

View additional career opportunities on the Redress page. Please cite Calibre Careers as your referral source.