HYOSUNG TNC

Adored universally, denim transcends age and gender as a staple in everyone's wardrobe. Initially employed for workwear, this durable and fashionable material has evolved into an iconic fashion item. In producing these beloved jeans, it is said that approximately 32.5 kg of carbon dioxide is released, equivalent to the emissions from driving a car for 11 km. If there was a way to make the millions of pairs of jeans consumed globally each year more sustainable and fashionable without harming the environment, it would be the epitome of perfection. Enter Harlie K, a brand committed to showcasing denim as both chic and sustainable. Harlie K began as an upcycling fashion accessories brand, deconstructing and reconstructing discarded denim to create a one-of-a-kind. By constantly exploring eco-friendly materials like coffee sacks and vegan hanji leather, Harlie K has established itself as a brand that values conscious consumption and supports the circular economy.

Moreover, Harlie K actively takes part in Hyosung's ESG brand, RE:GEN, fostering unique collaborations to drive the sustainable growth of the textile and fashion industry. RE:GEN (Reply to Every Generation's Future) stands as a powerful ESG brand that reflects Hyosung's unwavering dedication to continuous eco-friendly technological advancements, geared towards meeting the needs of future generations. With a strong focus on four core values - circular economy, carbon reduction, new energy, and resource conservation - Hyosung solidifies its commitment to ESG management, ensuring meaningful and substantial actions. As Hyosung strives to create a virtuous cycle of sustainable resources, a mission embodied by RE:GEN, Harlie K fully embraces the significance of eco-friendliness as one of its fundamental principles.

United by shared values: RE:GEN

Hyosung and Harlie K are bonded by their dedication to building an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion industry. As a leading company in the global fashion textile industry, Hyosung continuously challenges and innovates to create a sustainable future for all generations. This commitment has led to open innovation projects to pioneer the future textile market, with eco-friendly fibers and smart textiles at the forefront. Hyosung's enthusiastic pursuit of green brands has culminated in this collaboration with Harlie K, an upcycling fashion accessories brand.

Hyosung and Harlie K share a striking resemblance in their pursuit of sustainable fashion and core values. Hyosung produces environmentally friendly yarn from discarded plastic and fishing nets, while Harlie K presents upcycled fashion accessories crafted from repurposed denim. RE:GEN, Hyosung's ESG brand, emphasizes a circular economy and resource circulation, with which Harlie K’s brand identity seamlessly aligns.

Hyosung x Harlie K: A Special Collaboration

The dynamic collaboration between Hyosung and Harlie K revolves around creating innovative upcycled products that aim to minimize fiber consumption and environmental pollution generated during the production process. Both brands, Hyosung and Harlie K, have joined forces to create a remarkable bag using Hyosung's eco-friendly materials. The first collaborative venture between the two, launched through crowdfunding, introduced the extraordinary Mare Bag, dedicated to preserving the ocean ecosystem. This eco-friendly bag ingeniously combines Hyosung's durable and luxurious recycled materials sourced from fishing nets and waste plastics – two major contributors to the degradation of marine ecosystems – with Harlie K's signature style and practicality. The Mare Bag lineup includes the Mare Bag Ocean Black, featuring Hyosung's regen Ocean Nylon crafted from recycled fishing nets that threaten marine life; the Mare Bag Marina Blue, using Hyosung's regen Polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and boasting a soft touch due to a special process; the Mare Bag Denim Edition, a Harlie K flagship upcycled denim bag; and the Mare Bag Ladder Black, made from Harlie K's vegan leather, Hanji leather.

This compelling story of a stylish, lightweight, and practical upcycled bag firmly rooted in an eco-friendly philosophy garnered significant attention, leading to a groundbreaking crowdfunding campaign that raised an astounding KRW280 million in funding – far surpassing the initial target of KRW100 million.

Hyosung and Harlie K, after the successful crowdfunding of the Mare Bag, are now preparing to participate in pop-up stores, exhibitions, and festivals to introduce it to a wider audience.

RE:GEN ALLIANCE Partner, Harlie K

Recently, Hyosung launched the RE:GEN ALLIANCE to collaborate with companies that share the values of its ESG brand RE:GEN. We aim to grow and coexist with authentic and capable green companies, united in the goal of creating a safer and more sustainable future for our planet. By pursuing substantial ESG management through RE:GEN, Hyosung and its RE:GEN ALLIANCE partners work together to deliver ESG values through products and services, enabling practical implementation of the values. Hyosung begins this value-sharing journey with Harlie K, a company they first connected with through an open innovation project. As an eco-friendly brand, Harlie K aspires to contribute significantly to a sustainable future alongside Hyosung. All RE:GEN ALLIANCE partners will collaborate for a better future, sharing responsibility for all generations, resources for good, and striving for tangible results. The alliance aims to grow and coexist with genuinely environment-friendly companies to create a safer and more sustainable future for the planet.

Valuable Partnerships with Hyosung, RE:GEN ALLIANCE

Hyosung aims to continue collaborating with brands and companies that share its core values of environmental friendliness and sustainability. Upcoming collaborations will involve B2C brands like Harlie K, which share Hyosung's core values. Together with capable partners walking in the same direction, Hyosung will strive to improve tangible results in South Korea's ESG landscape and contribute to the success of participating companies and brands by expanding its ESG capabilities. RE:GEN, Hyosung's response for future generations, will be a brand that grows and coexists with RE:GEN ALLIANCE partners who share its values.

The RE:GEN ALLIANCE, a journey towards the future envisioned by Hyosung, will address the pressing global issues and focus on technologies, products, and services that cherish and love the Earth for the well-being of future generations and the progress of human life. Hyosung will lead substantial ESG management, striving for a safer and more sustainable Earth, together with everyone who shares its values.

Hyosung believes in the potential of eco-friendly upcycling fashion accessory brand Harlie K, respects their conviction, and acknowledges that they are walking in the same direction. Hyosung will continue to collaborate with various companies and value-driven brands that share its principles. Hyosung plans to showcase various collaborations as a leader and partner in South Korea's substantial ESG management by working with consumer-oriented brands like Harlie K that listen closely to consumer stories. This collaboration will give substance to Hyosung's efforts for a sustainable Earth for all generations, focusing on environmental friendliness and resource circulation.