Translink and Junk Kouture Launch New Initiative to Inspire Sustainable Thinking
Translink has partnered with Junk Kouture, to launch “A Journey to Sustainable Style”, a new collaboration that will challenge young, aspiring designers to get creative with recyclable materials, culminating in a showcase of innovative upcycled designs at Belfast Grand Central Station.
The campaign will transform the station into a vibrant fashion hub, providing a platform for students across Northern Ireland. Participants will be tasked with designing fashion pieces using sustainable and recyclable materials. A key feature of the event is the incorporation of Translink materials which have reached their end of service use, such as bus tyres, seat fabric, or train tickets, into the designs.
The event will inspire attendees to reflect on their choices and their wider environmental impact, while also demonstrating Translink's commitment to supporting the communities it serves and promoting its eco-conscious values.
This collaboration is part of Translink's commitment to sustainability and community engagement, promoting its "Better.Connected" values. It also highlights Translink’s yLink card, which offers young people aged 16-23 a 50% discount on bus and rail travel, providing an affordable and sustainable way to travel.
The yLink smartcard is just one part of Translink's broader strategy to support sustainable transport solutions while helping students save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Commenting on the unique and creative project for young people, Maeve Nethercott, Brand Representative at Translink, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Junk Kouture, an organisation renowned for its promotion of sustainability and creativity among young people, to bring ‘A Journey to Sustainable Style’ to life. Initiatives like this are a great way to inspire the next generation to see the potential of reusing and recycling and also reflect our own commitment to tackling climate change.
“We know from our engagement with young people in schools, colleges, universities, and community groups, that the environment is a topic which is high on their agenda for change. Not only does public transport offer better connections for young people to go about their daily lives, it’s also a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable way to travel. We’re confident this partnership with Junk Kouture is going to highlight the amazing talent in Northern Ireland and demonstrate the passion young people have for sustainability and we can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation this campaign will showcase as it unfolds.”
Megan Kelly, Director Global Events and Production, Territory Manager, Ireland, at Junk Kouture, added: “Junk Kouture empowers young people to be confident, creative changemakers, transforming waste into fashion while shaping more sustainable communities. We’re delighted to team up with Translink on ‘A Journey to Sustainable Style’ to showcase the incredible talent of students from across Northern Ireland.”
To kick things off, Junk Kouture is hosting a workshop at Belfast Grand Central Station on Saturday, 4th October. The workshop provides a unique opportunity for aspiring designers to explore sustainable materials and creative design processes.
Translink and Junk Kouture are calling on all enthusiasts aged 16-19 to express their interest in taking part. To register your interest, please visit here.