Pangaia Brings Slow Fashion to Popular UK Food Chain
Wagamama wants to close the loop, and not just with noodles.
The popular British restaurant chain has partnered with materials science company Pangaia on a slow-fashion uniform collection for its UK-based outposts.
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The collaboration, dubbed “Wagamama, powered by Pangaia,” features long- and short-sleeve uniforms made from organic cotton grown without pesticides and treated with the B Corp.’s PPRMINT, a natural peppermint oil that counteracts and stops the growth of odor-causing bacteria, meaning the uniform doesn’t need to be washed as often, resulting in water and energy savings.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Wagamama, powering their journey towards sustainability and circularity,” said Eva Kruse, chief global engagement officer at Pangaia. “Our collaboration not only highlights the potential for a circular ecosystem across all sectors but also sets a precedent for other brands to join the movement as we co-design an Earth-positive future—together.”
To further promote a circular economy, the collaboration encourages the Japanese cuisine chain’s team members to return their old T-shirts to be recycled at Pangaia’s recycling facility in Portugal into a collection of limited-edition hoodies available to Wagamama employees for free and customers via a series of competitions next year.
“We are really excited to announce our groundbreaking partnership with Pangaia to create our sustainable slow fashion uniform line. At Wagamama, we believe in the philosophy of ‘kaizen,’ making small choices every day for big change,” Kay Bartlett, chief marketing officer at Wagamama, said. “As two like-minded brands, this partnership captures our commitment to positive eating and positive living to ensure a more sustainable future.”
At “the heart of the collaboration” are the Wagamama team members, who modeled the uniforms following a nationwide casting call across 146 restaurants. Thirty employees were selected to don the redesigned outfits, photographed by British director Kaj Jefferies and London-based photographer Louis Bamford.
“Our team members are the heart and soul of Wagamama,” Barlett said. “It’s only fitting that they were chosen to model these stylish and sustainable new uniforms during the shoot to celebrate this collaboration.”
Furthermore, Wagamama will host a series of repair workshops in partnership with a London-based design project dedicated to sustainability and upcycling, Greater Goods. Occurring on Sept. 5 at the Wagamama in Camden, the workshops are a “bookable experience” for employees to turn their old uniforms into an upcycled item such as a scrunchie or tote bag. To further extend its customer repair workshops across the United Kingdom, Wagamama will partner with upcycling experts Stain Shade, which will teach individuals how to tie-dye used garments.
“The goal of this partnership with Pangaia is to not only provide our staff with stylish and comfortable uniforms but also to contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing our ecological footprint,” Bartlett said. “We believe in responsible business practices and have joined forces with Pangaia because of the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability. We have been a long-term fan of Pangaia’s unparalleled expertise in crafting eco-friendly apparel using cutting-edge technology and materials.”
