A Kingston Green Business Community member is leading the way on preventing fabric waste, reducing emissions and creating wonderful products from unwanted material.

KAPDAA is a multi-award winning sustainable fashion brand that creates a variety of items ranging from bags, scarves and books to yoga mats, hairbands and more. 

Nish Parekh, Co-founder of KAPDAA - The Offcut Company said: "Our aim is to make the UK self-sufficient for its own textile waste. We are creating a one of a kind AI system completely conceptualised and built in the UK providing a unique way to reduce landfill."

What sets them apart from their competitors is that their products are made from old or unwanted fabrics that would otherwise end up in the bin.

KAPDAA is just one of the many active members of the Kingston Green Business Community, a free-to-join Community of organisations dedicated to improving their environmental credentials while innovating and thriving in an ever-growing green economy.

It has recently been awarded funding from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology to further develop the AI technology it uses to scan materials and accurately identify what they are made from, making the process of recycling and reusing them so much easier.

Over the last three years they've saved over 15,000 metres of fabric from going to landfill, preventing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions - all while running a thriving business. 

They were recently visited by Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science Innovation and Technology who came to find out about their work and the innovative technology at the heart of their business. 

 Eventually, it will not only inspire but create an entirely new sector in sustainability for the next generation."

Cllr Ian Manders, Portfolio Holder for Climate Action and Sustainable Transport said: "Kingston has a rich history of business and innovation and it's inspiring to see KAPDAA using advanced technology to exploit 'waste', thereby cutting carbon and creating a successful business.

The Green Business Community has supported KAPDAA by helping them achieve Green Mark environmental accreditation, join up with collaboration partners, and find flexible business space".

All businesses and organisations are welcome to join the Kingston Green Business Community, for free, and enjoy a range of benefits.

You can find out more about KAPDAA by visiting their website.

The next meeting of the Kingston Green Business Community will take place on 28 November between 4pm and 5.30pm at the Quaker Centre, Fairfield East, KT1 2PT.