# Discarded Textile Contests The 686 Technical Apparel Project Attempts to Encourage Recycling By Katie Pagnotta | Published 2013-01-29 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/686-technical-apparel References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2013/1/686-technical-apparel-presents-the-reclaim-project) & [686](http://686.com/reclaim-project) 686 Technical Apparel introduced a contest in an attempt to put the materials found in landfills to good use. The Los Angeles-based snowboarding brand called upon participants to step up to the challenge and create a jacket from [reclaimed materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remake-by-burberry). The criteria of the project was that each piece was to be distinct, personal and needed to include [discarded fabrics, trims and supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-good-company). The incentive for the participants is the opportunity to intern at the successful company. 686 put up two positions that would allow each winner to be a part and an active contributor to the brand. The concept is creative, environmentally-friendly and a wonderful way to manifest inspiration. The project doesn't just focus on sustainability and also ties in with social good by donating a [jacket every time one is sold](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everpuff). The 686 Technical Apparel contest is inventive and for a great cause. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Upcycling Fashion:** The 686 Technical Apparel Project challenges participants to create jackets from discarded materials, highlighting the trend of upcycling in the fashion industry. - **Environmental Sustainability:** By encouraging the use of reclaimed fabrics and promoting recycling, the 686 Technical Apparel Project exemplifies the growing trend of environmental sustainability in the apparel industry. - **Social Good Integration:** The 686 Technical Apparel Project's donation of a jacket for every one sold showcases the trend of integrating social good initiatives into business models. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The upcycling trend showcased in the 686 Technical Apparel Project has the potential to disrupt the traditional fashion industry by highlighting the importance of sustainable practices. - **Apparel Manufacturing:** The 686 Technical Apparel Project presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the apparel manufacturing industry by encouraging the use of discarded materials and promoting creative and distinct designs. - **Sustainable Retail:** By incorporating environmental sustainability and social good initiatives, the 686 Technical Apparel Project demonstrates an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the sustainable retail industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rewarding Recycling Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patagonia-2.md) - [Recycled Tire Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kathmandu-epiq-se.md) - [Upcycled Skateboard Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rpsd.md) - [Upcycled Tent Garments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-festival-waste.md) - [Recycled Carbon-Made Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lululemon-3.md) - [Sustainably-Focused Experimental Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-fashion-collection.md) - [Circular Outerwear Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/templa-1.md) - [Sustainable Artist Endeavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recasetify.md) - [Eco-Friendly Polyester Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unifi.md)