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Growing pains of going green among local eco-conscious brands

Founders of .bungkus, kupaa, and Webeings discuss operational and production challenges they face while scaling up their sustainable businesses

Published Sun, Apr 6, 2025 · 06:02 PM
    • The annual Boutiques Singapore fair, held at the F1 Pit Building, features a diverse range of home, lifestyle, food and fashion products.
    • The annual Boutiques Singapore fair, held at the F1 Pit Building, features a diverse range of home, lifestyle, food and fashion products. PHOTO: BOUTIQUES SINGAPORE

    [SINGAPORE] At the recent Boutiques Singapore fair in March, more than 300 local and regional designers showcased their latest products to thousands of visitors. Held at the F1 Pit Building, the annual event featured a wide array of home, lifestyle, food, and fashion offerings.

    Among them, three brands – .bungkus, kupaa, and Webeings – stood out with stylish, eco-conscious products that offered a refreshing counter to fast fashion and the disposable culture. Yet despite their clear sustainability mission and growing customer base, the entrepreneurs behind these labels face the ongoing challenge of scaling up a green business for the long haul.

    Webeings sells bags made from plastic waste derived from single-use cups and bottles. PHOTO: WEBEINGS

    Taken aback by the pollution she witnessed while living in Bali, Aggie Blanco founded Webeings in 2022, transforming plastic waste from single-use cups and bottles into stylish bags.

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