Program Name: Upcycle Chino
Program Duration: July 1, 2026 - December 31, 2026
# of Business Leads: 15 - 20
Overview:
Upcycle Chino is a micro-manufacturing sector development initiative focused on recycled-content textile production and sustainable fashion manufacturing. The initiative supports local recycled-material manufacturing by transforming discarded and surplus textiles into value-added garments and fashion products. The program advances circular manufacturing practices that reduce landfill disposal, extend the lifecycle of textile materials, and strengthen the City’s capacity for small-batch, environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Core program components include:
Conversion of post-consumer and surplus textiles into finished market-ready garments and products Small-batch production methods suitable for micro-manufacturing and product commercialization Fabric deconstruction, material recovery, and quality control processes that support recycled manufacturing Integration of circular manufacturing models and sustainable sourcing strategies A public fashion showcase to increase visibility and market demand for locally manufactured, recycled-content goods Program Budget:
RMDZ Funds - $42,545
Technical Assistance Outline:
Course 1: Sustainable Fashion Foundations
Duration: 3 weeks
Focus:
Introduction to sustainability & circular fashion
Textile waste and reuse
Denim deconstruction techniques
Design ideation and sketching
Outcomes:
Understanding of sustainable fashion principles
Initial garment concepts
Material selection and prep
Course 2: Garment Construction & Design Execution
Duration: 3 weeks
Focus:
Pattern modification
Sewing and garment construction
Fit, finishing, and detailing
Quality control and presentation
Outcomes:
Completed upcycled garments
Understanding of garment production workflow
Course 3: Fashion Presentation & Creative Entrepreneurship Duration: 4 weeks
Focus:
Styling and presentation
Branding and storytelling
Fashion show preparation
Introduction to retail and merchandising
Financial Literacy
Outcomes:
Fashion show–ready garments
Understanding of creative business pathways
Public presentation experience
Activity Metrics:
15 - 20 businesses captured from lead generation
100 garments or products produced per participant
500 (lbs) of textiles recovered and reused
650 instructional hours delivered (course hours per cohort) One Website and 1,000 views of total social media engagement Evaluation Metrics:
$42,545 total program cost vs $42,545 total budget spent 15- 20 total number of businesses served
100 upcycled garments made
500 (lbs) of textiles diverted from landfill
Increase in awareness of sustainable fashion by 50% (pre/post survey) RMDZ – Program Overview - 2
RMDZ - Upcycle Chino
February 10, 2026