Istanbul-based Nivogo, a pioneering company that recycles unused and unsold clothes, has been recognized as one of the world’s top three circular economy initiatives. Since its inception, the company has renewed 1 million products in just two years and is now preparing to expand its innovative model globally.
Addressing the Fashion Waste Crisis
In today’s fast-paced fashion industry, each piece of clothing is discarded after being worn an average of only seven times, resulting in 85 billion products being thrown away annually. Nivogo was founded to tackle this persistent issue by transforming idle textile products into valuable economic assets. Over the past two years, Nivogo has saved 7.3 billion liters of water and prevented millions of tons of carbon emissions through its recycling efforts.
Global and European Recognition
Turkey’s trailblazing circular economy movement, Nivogo, was honored at the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting in India as one of the world’s top three circular economy initiatives. Additionally, Nivogo was named Europe’s leading circular economy startup, outshining initiatives from the world’s largest economies.
From Humble Beginnings to Major Operations
Founded in 2021 by retail sector veteran Arnas Akbaş and his university friend Ali Cem Yücebağ, Nivogo started in a 400-square-meter apartment in Istanbul. Within nine months, the company expanded to a 3,000-square-meter operation center in Gebze. Nivogo’s diverse product portfolio includes items ranging from sneakers and bags to coats and t-shirts, sourced from well-known brands in Turkey and globally.
Expansion and Future Goals
Currently, Nivogo operates six stores in the retail sector and plans to open two more outside Istanbul soon. The company partners with 20 brands and aims to position Turkey as a leader in the $5 trillion global re-commerce market. Nivogo’s CEO, Arnas Akbaş, emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurs in transforming the fashion industry.
Growing Workforce and Training Initiatives
With increasing demand from individual consumers and brands, Nivogo is expanding its workforce, currently employing 200 staff members. The company has also established the Nivogo Academy to train new craftsmen in product renovation.
Significant Investments and Market Valuation
Nivogo renews 100,000 products monthly at its Gebze center, offering them to consumers at prices 30 to 90 percent lower than the original. With investments from notable figures such as Aras Bulut İynemli, Firat Işbecer, Onder Oztarhan, and Akış GYO, Nivogo has reached a valuation of $10 million. The company aims to scale its successful business model from Turkey to the world.
Nivogo continues to make significant strides in circular economy and sustainable fashion, setting a new standard for the industry and contributing positively to the environment, economy, and society.
