ROTTERDAM, 21 February 2025 – Oxious Talent Factory has rebranded as Remake Society, reinforcing its commitment to circular textile production and social impact. The announcement was marked by the unveiling of a new logo, presented on a handmade bodywarmer crafted from recycled denim and banner material.
Image: Esther Smit and Tim Versnel (wearing the bodywarmer) with the Remake Society team in the background. Photo credit: Bart Hoogveld.
Oxious Talent Factory becomes Remake Society
Rotterdam-based textile workshop Oxious Talent Factory has adopted a new name and identity, rebranding as Remake Society. The change reflects its mission to combine circular textile production with social impact in a commercially viable model. The transformation was officially launched by Rotterdam alderman Tim Versnel (Work and Income), who revealed the new brand logo on a sustainably made bodywarmer that he received during the event.
Alderman Tim Versnel commented on the rebranding: “Remake Society is a pioneer in the circular economy. Their efforts benefit both the world and the city. It is inspiring to see how quickly people develop language and technical skills here, enabling them to take steps towards stable employment. I admire Esther’s perseverance and creativity; she is a true Rotterdam entrepreneur with a social heart.”
From experiment to a proven model
According to Esther Smit, co-founder of Remake Society and Rotterdam’s Businesswoman of the Year 2024, the rebranding marks an important milestone. “Remake Society signifies maturity and a strong statement: our workshop has proven its value. We transform waste into new value, combining social impact with commercial strength while addressing the growing demand for solutions to the vast textile waste problem.”
The workshop provides employment opportunities for newcomers, returnees to the labour market, and individuals who have been overlooked in society. By using their craftsmanship for high-quality product development, wasted textiles are repurposed into new, sustainable, and fashionable products.
Circular business model
With its rebranding, Remake Society strengthens its position as a repurpose and repair hub for the fashion industry. Several well-known brands, including Zeeman, Jeans Centre, KPN, Terre des Hommes, and FC 88, already collaborate with the workshop to repurpose corporate clothing and banners into new products or repair existing garments.
Instead of discarding textile waste, this circular model ensures materials are commercially reused. “We connect businesses, government, and education to build a sustainable ecosystem where circular production and social inclusion go hand in hand. Additionally, we help companies reduce their environmental footprint and comply with new European sustainability regulations,” Smit explained. “We are in discussions with well-known brands and major players in the events industry who want to join our initiative.”
From talent development to market value
By reducing textile waste and offering a repair service, Remake Society creates opportunities for skilled workers who are often underutilised and unemployed. Some have no formal qualifications but have learned their trade from family members or worked in production facilities for major fashion brands. The workshop provides a space where people on benefits, newcomers, and those re-entering the workforce can demonstrate their skills, build a future, and earn a fair wage.
“These individuals, often experienced and highly skilled garment workers, give textile waste a second life. By retraining them and providing a professional work environment, we create both social impact and high-quality sustainable fashion. This aligns with the growing market demand,” Smit emphasised.
