16th September 2025
Translink and Junk Kouture Launch New Initiative to Inspire Sustainable Thinking
“A Journey to Sustainable Style” encourages upcycling among young fashion enthusiasts
16th September 2025
Translink and Junk Kouture Launch New Initiative to Inspire Sustainable Thinking
“A Journey to Sustainable Style” encourages upcycling among young fashion enthusiasts
Translink has partnered with Junk Kouture, the world’s leading youth sustainable fashion platform to launch “A Journey to Sustainable Style”, a new collaboration that will challenge young, aspiring designers to get creative with recyclable materials, culminating in a showcase of innovative upcycled designs at Belfast Grand Central Station.
The campaign will transform the station into a vibrant fashion hub, providing a platform for students across Northern Ireland. Participants will be tasked with designing fashion pieces using sustainable and recyclable materials. A key feature of the event is the incorporation of Translink materials which have reached their end of service use, such as bus tyres, seat fabric, or train tickets, into the designs.
The event will inspire attendees to reflect on their choices and their wider environmental impact, while also demonstrating Translink’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves and promoting its eco-conscious values.
This collaboration is part of Translink’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement, promoting its “Better.Connected” values. It also highlights Translink’s yLink card, which offers young people aged 16-23 a 50% discount on bus and rail travel, providing an affordable and sustainable way to travel.
The yLink smartcard is just one part of Translink’s broader strategy to support sustainable transport solutions while helping students save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Commenting on the unique and creative project for young people, Maeve Nethercott, Brand Representative at Translink, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Junk Kouture, an organisation renowned for its promotion of sustainability and creativity among young people, to bring ‘A Journey to Sustainable Style’ to life. Initiatives like this are a great way to inspire the next generation to see the potential of reusing and recycling and also reflect our own commitment to tackling climate change.
“We know from our engagement with young people in schools, colleges, universities and community groups, that the environment is a topic which is high on their agenda for change. Not only does public transport offer better connections for young people to go about their daily lives, it’s also a cleaner, greener and more sustainable way to travel. We’re confident this partnership with Junk Kouture is going to highlight the amazing talent in Northern Ireland and demonstrate the passion young people have for sustainability and we can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation this campaign will showcase as it unfolds.”
Megan Kelly, Director Global Events and Production, Territory Manager, Ireland, added: “Junk Kouture empowers young people to be confident, creative changemakers, transforming waste into fashion while shaping more sustainable communities. We’re delighted to team up with Translink on ‘A Journey to Sustainable Style’ to showcase the incredible talent of students from across Northern Ireland.”
To kick things off, Junk Kouture is hosting a workshop at Belfast Grand Central Station on Saturday, 4th October. The workshop provides a unique opportunity for aspiring designers to explore sustainable materials and creative design processes.
Translink and Junk Kouture are calling on all enthusiasts aged 16-19 to express their interest in taking part. To register your interest, please visit here.
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Notes to editors
Climate Positive Strategy
Translink is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operating a zero emission fleet across Northern Ireland by 2040. Find out more here.
yLink
People aged 16-23 can apply for a yLink smartcard by visiting translink.co.uk/ylink.
Junk Kouture
Since its inception in 2010, Junk Kouture has been redefining what it means to be a young creative in the 21st century. Born as the first “sport for creatives,” Junk Kouture empowers young people to rise into more confident, capable versions of themselves. It equips them with essential skills and a mindset grounded in creativity, collaboration, and innovation—crucial tools for navigating a rapidly changing world. As a complementary force to traditional education, Junk Kouture goes beyond the curriculum. It enriches lives and empowers Gen Z to unleash creativity and embrace their role in shaping the future.
For inspiration on how the Junk Kouture events unfold, you can view the highlights of the Junk Kouture World Final 2024, here.
If you have any further queries, please contact Gray’s Communications:
+44 2871 161 364
