From mannequins to mushrooms

When Kathmandu established a new partnership with visual merchandising supplier Mannequino in 2023, we saw this as an opportunity to look at waste in a completely new light.  

KMD Brands is looking for ways to reduce our waste, because it contributes to our carbon footprint and is an inefficient use of natural resources. It also has a financial impact through collection and disposal costs. 

In the short term, we are focused on the waste generated from our direct operations. Looking longer term, we are rethinking product design and production processes, harnessing new materials and technology to eliminate waste from the outset, and then repurposing and recycling to keep resources in a closed loop. 

What can this closed loop look like? Mannequino has created a virtuous circle with its approach to waste. 

Mannequino manufactures super lightweight, compact and recyclable display assets. Designed with 3D printing technology, Mannequino’s products are made from durable polypropylene that use up to 50 times less raw material than traditional mannequins.  

Flat-packed mannequins are easier to ship, which reduces transport emissions. And when they reach the end of their useful life, each mannequin can be recycled down to pellets and remade into new display assets. 

Mannequino is pushing the boundaries even further with an innovative process that transforms the cardboard offcuts from mannequin packaging into delicious gourmet Oyster mushrooms.  

The offcuts from Kathmandu mannequins are shredded into mulch, mixed with coffee waste, hardwood and straw, and then transferred to growing chambers alongside Mannequino’s Cambridgeshire manufacturing facilities. And voila! Mushrooms are harvested and distributed to local restaurants in the Cambridge area. 

Testing this unique product from Mannequino is just one of the ways Kathmandu and KMD Brands support the development of innovative solutions in our industry.