UNIQLO x NRF UTD

Group picture of students- Sustainability without Greenwashing Winners.

UNIQLO-x-NRF-UTD: A Deep Dive into the Business of Fashion

Michelle Le, Lead University Recruiter
Michelle Le, Lead University Recruiter

The NRF Association at UTD kicked off its first event of the year with “Business of Fashion with UNIQLO,” offering students a closer look at the brand’s sustainability efforts and the intricacies of clothing manufacturing.

Michelle Le, Lead University Recruiter, and Nelly Born, Associate Manager of Sustainability, led the session, providing the students with an understanding of UNIQLO’s LifeWear philosophy—creating high-quality, everyday apparel designed to last.

Students got hands-on experience with some of UNIQLO’s most popular products, including the premium linen shirt, down jacket, and fluffy yarn fleece while learning about the brand’s tireless sustainability initiatives.

Le spoke extensively about how UNIQLO is committed to using sustainable materials and practices:

  • Fluffy Yarn Fleece – Made from 100% recycled polyester after decades of innovation.
  • Premium Linen Shirt – European FLAX-certified, with no waste by using the entire flax plant.
  • Down Jacket – RDS-certified and traceable to the farm, with a promise of ethical sourcing without practices like force-feeding.
Students holding UNIQLO Products
Students with UNIQLO Products
Born highlighted the brand’s three pillars of sustainability – People, Planet, and Society – and showcased collaborations with organizations like UNHCR, New York City Department of Homeless Services, and Los Angeles United. These collaborations recycle clothing to reduce waste under a selective donation program, giving a second life to pre-loved UNIQLO pieces.

Despite these impressive plans, Le and Born were aware of the challenge of how to express sustainability without greenwashing. To gain some fresh perspectives, they challenged students to brainstorm some ways to showcase sustainability in stores. The winning idea was a storefront window display featuring a mannequin dressed in UNIQLO products on one half, and on the other half, the recycled materials that were used to create the garment—a visually impactful way to show sustainability in action.

Group picture of students- Sustainability without Greenwashing Winners
Sustainability without Greenwashing Winners

The session ended with exciting career opportunities for students looking to join UNIQLO that included both short-term and long-term opportunities designed to build leadership skills and gain global business perspective.

With a mix of industry insights, creative problem-solving, and career opportunities, the event imparted students with resounding knowledge about the world of sustainable fashion.