iRi NYC has partnered with the Korea-based social impact brand New Year Market to introduce a line of upcycled key charms, designed by seniors. This collaboration, which emphasizes sustainability and social responsibility, is set to launch on Wednesday. The charms, which can also be used as shoe decorations, highlight the creativity and skill of older adults while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
The initiative aligns with iRi NYC’s ongoing commitment to upcycling. This year, the brand is expanding its focus beyond traditional products, offering handmade charms that not only serve a functional purpose but also allow for personal expression. Previous collaborations, such as one with the woman-owned upcycling brand Cueclyp, resulted in cup coasters made from surplus neoprene. This new project takes a fresh approach by integrating these charms into footwear as well.
Empowering Seniors through Design
What makes this project particularly noteworthy is the involvement of seniors in the design process. New Year Market is dedicated to providing safe employment opportunities for elderly individuals, especially those who live alone or rely on collecting recyclables for income. By pairing senior designers with younger collaborators, the initiative fosters intergenerational creativity and encourages the development of meaningful products.
The handcrafted key charms, priced between $20 and $30, are made from upcycled materials sourced from both iRi NYC and New Year Market. These include fabric scraps from sock production, shoelaces, and small leather remnants from footwear manufacturing. This focus on sustainability reflects a broader trend in the industry towards reducing waste and using environmentally friendly materials.
A Shift Towards Sustainable Practices
iRi NYC’s commitment to sustainable practices has evolved significantly since its inception. In a recent statement, the brand emphasized the importance of environmentally friendly production methods, noting, “When we first launched, none of our products had anything to do with sustainable materials. But thankfully, once we moved our production to Korea, I was shocked that they have a lot of availability with sustainable footwear materials, finally, and they’re not too expensive.”
This shift has enabled iRi NYC to incorporate more sustainable materials into its designs without the burden of large minimum orders. The collaboration with New Year Market not only exemplifies this commitment but also showcases the potential for upcycled products to empower marginalized communities.
As the launch date approaches, the excitement surrounding these key charms continues to grow. By combining creativity, sustainability, and social impact, iRi NYC and New Year Market are setting a precedent for how businesses can positively influence their communities while addressing pressing environmental concerns.
