Founding Partner, Reet Aus & Upmade
Reet Aus is a distinguished Estonian fashion designer and a leading advocate for sustainability, renowned for her innovative work in industrial upcycling and circular fashion. Holding a PhD in sustainable design, Aus has dedicated her career to transforming the fashion industry by reducing its environmental impact. She developed the UPMADE® certification, a pioneering system that enables brands to incorporate upcycled materials into mass production, thereby significantly lowering textile waste. This methodology is now employed by global brands such as Beximco, driving more sustainable production practices across the industry.Aus has been recognized with numerous awards for her groundbreaking contributions. In 2023, she received the prestigious German Eco Design Award for her UPMADE® collection. Additionally, she has been honored with the Estonian Order of the White Star and named one of the Top 20 Responsible Leaders in Northern Europe. She also earned the title of Woman of the Year from the Association of Business and Professional Women in Estonia, and has been recognized with the Tallinn City Award for her service to sustainability. Her zero-waste collections, designed to be carbon-neutral, have reduced CO2 emissions by up to 80% and water usage by 75%. Her work is also featured in the documentary "Out of Fashion," which showcases her efforts to implement sustainable practices in global mass production.
UPMADE in Estonia: Where Tradition Meets the Future in Circularity and Digital Innovation
Nestled in the heart of Northern Europe, Estonia has become a global leader in both design and digital innovation. In this session, Reet Aus, the creator of the UPMADE® certification, will share how Estonia’s minimalist design philosophy has been reimagined to lead the way in sustainability and digital transformation. You’ll learn howUPMADE bridges Estonia’s traditional values with cutting-edge innovations, demonstrating how circular design practices are shaping a more sustainable future. This session offers a unique perspective on how Estonia’s heritage and forward-thinking mindset intersect to drive global change.
The audience will learn:
