Klant
CNV
upcycling
circular
innovation
custom made
Turning old clothing into a new, circular story with CNV
In 2024, several CNV unions merged into one organisation. A new beginning that posed a very practical problem: racks full of branded clothing and promo items with old logos that no longer could be used. Instead of writing them off as waste, CNV and Compacon wanted to turn this leftover stock into a tangible symbol of their future: one unified, socially engaged and sustainable organisation. Together we set out to create a gift that would make their sustainability ambitions visible, strengthen internal pride and fit seamlessly with their message of caring for people.
Giving CNV workwear a second life
We proposed a bold idea: upcycle CNV’s own workwear such as softshell jackets into new, everyday items. The result: hand-made fannypacks and phone pouches, created entirely from recycled CNV textiles. Every piece is unique: the original print and stitching of the fabric determine how each item looks. No two bags are the same and each carries a little piece of CNV history. On top of that, we aimed for 100% reuse, including labels and zippers made from recycled materials. All to prove that CNV doesn’t just talk about sustainability, but actually does it.
Upcycling with impact: partnering with Oxious
For the production, we brought in Oxious, a Dutch social enterprise with a mission that fits CNV like a glove. As Belinda Schall, Marketeer at CNV, explains: ‘Super unique because the mission and vision of Oxious connect very well with the CNV DNA. Corporate social responsibility and helping people with a distance to the labour market fits CNV.’ The fannypacks are manufactered in a very poor part of Rotterdam, where people who ‘for whatever reason, fall a bit outside of society’ gain perspective by doing meaningful work. Knowing that these items support Oxious’ work adds an extra layer of value for CNV.
‘We don’t have to think about whether products are made the right way.’ - Belinda Schall, Marketeer at CNV
CNV has been working with Compacon for years. ‘Compacon is our preferred partner for CNV’s branded merchandise. They are a reliable partner for us and the collaboration definitely adds value,’ says Belinda. ‘We don’t have to think about whether products are produced well or whether somewhere in the world a factory burns down with very bad and inhumane conditions, where items with our logo are stored. And they simply understand who we are and what fits us.’ The real challenge for this project? Time. Upcycling is craft, not fast fashion. Clear communication upfront meant CNV could align their plans with the production process.
A wearable piece of CNV
The first fannypacks were handed out with a card explaining the story behind the material. Employees reacted enthusiastically: ‘You literally carry a piece of CNV heritage with you.’ One thing is clear: this is more than a giveaway. It’s a wearable symbol of fusion, values and future. A prime example of what happens when you stop seeing leftover materials as a problem and start using it as raw material for something new.
