In the modern age of rapid consumption and fast fashion, unwanted clothes often end up in the trash. As an unfortunate consequence, landfills worldwide are bursting at the seams with discarded textiles. However, one innovator is turning the tide and paving the way towards a sustainable future by transforming these discarded clothes into building materials.
Meet Clarisse Merlet, an architecture student who was stunned by the pollution generated by the construction industry during her studies. Determined to contribute positively to the environment, Merlet decided to devise an innovative solution. Her groundbreaking idea? To repurpose discarded clothes into a usable material for building and design – an initiative that led to the birth of FabBRICK®.
FabBRICK® is not merely an idea but a patented process that converts daily textile waste into practical, durable bricks. From production scrap to prototypes and defective clothes, any textile waste can be repurposed through this process. What once was destined for the trash heap can now be transformed into a valuable resource for construction and design.
The FabBRICK® process prevents large quantities of textile waste from ending up in landfills, thereby reducing pollution. A single wall made from these revolutionary bricks can prevent up to 300 kg of clothing from being wasted. But the impact of FabBRICK® reaches far beyond environmental benefits.
The bricks made from recycled textiles are not just eco-friendly but also functional and aesthetically pleasing. They can be used to design unique spaces or create furniture. Ideal for shops, showrooms, or offices, these bricks bring a touch of sustainability and innovation to any interior design.
Furthermore, FabBRICK® offers an opportunity for corporate responsibility. Employees can donate their old clothes to be converted into FabBRICK® bricks. This allows their discarded garments to be given a new life – perhaps as a piece of furniture in the very office where they once worked. It’s a full-circle solution to the problem of textile waste that promotes recycling and sustainability at every level.

FabBRICK® is an exciting example of how we can rethink our approach to waste and recycling. With creativity and a commitment to sustainability, what was once a problem – the staggering amount of discarded clothes – can become a solution. Not only are we able to prevent textiles from being wasted, but we also reduce the amount of new construction material needed, doubling the environmental impact of the initiative.
Merlet’s brainchild is more than just a clever idea; it’s a powerful testament to the potential for innovative thinking to drive meaningful change. In an era where sustainability is not just a choice, but a necessity, initiatives like FabBRICK® pave the way towards a future where every piece of waste can find a new purpose, and where our old clothes might just become the building blocks of the spaces we inhabit.
In conclusion, FabBRICK® is not just creating a sustainable option for construction materials but also revolutionizing our perception of waste. By turning discarded textiles into something useful, FabBRICK® is not just reducing waste but also building a pathway towards a sustainable future, one brick at a time.