Britto: A student’s vision to give clothes a second life
Britto seeks to redefine how we think about clothing by embracing circular fashion
The fashion industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact and desperately needs sustainable solutions. As someone living in Bangladesh, a hub for the global garment trade, Shuvam Saha, a BBA (Finance) student at United International University, feels an obligation to counteract the damage caused by the industry.
To achieve that, he came up with an innovative project, Britto, which offers a fresh perspective on fashion.
Shuvam has a clear mission: to make the fashion industry more sustainable. Britto seeks to redefine how we think about clothing by embracing circular fashion.
His project is all about circular fashion — a system where used clothes are upcycled into something new, keeping them in circulation and out of landfills.
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"Circular fashion is about giving clothes a second life. Instead of discarding them, we repurpose them through shredding and minimal processing to create value-added garments," Shuvam explains. "This way, clothes that have already been used by one person can be used by another, helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability."
Shuvam's aim is to make people rethink their relationship with clothing. He wants individuals to consume thoughtfully and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. For him, Britto is not just a business — it is a way to encourage responsible consumption while addressing a pressing environmental issue.
His target audience includes middle-income consumers and those who understand the importance of sustainability in fashion. "Middle-income individuals often seek cost-effective yet impactful options. Britto meets this demand while fostering a culture of environmental awareness," Shuvam says.
To capture that targeted market, he has already launched an Instagram page for Britto. Through this platform, he hopes to connect with consumers and showcase his upcycled products.
Shuvam's efforts have already earned recognition. With this project, he earned the sixth place in TBS Graduate Scholar Hunt 2024. The Tk1 lakh prize money he received will play a pivotal role in expanding Britto. "I plan to use the funds to enhance Britto's online presence and make it more accessible. This will help us tap into a larger market and amplify our impact," he shares.
Shuvam has a simple yet profound message to the aspiring entrepreneurs: start with local problems. "You don't have to look far for an idea. Most of the time, the solutions to big issues are rooted in the challenges we see around us. If you can solve a local problem, it can lead to meaningful global change," he says.
The Scholar Hunt, organised by The Business Standard and TBS Graduates, debuted this year as a flagship competition. Divided into three categories — Business Administration, Architecture, and Engineering and Technology — it encouraged students to think outside the box and craft solutions with tangible, real-world impact.
