HANNON COMAZZETTO, 29, AIR ROBE

THE fashion industry has a waste problem. The rise of fast fashion means the industry generates 90 million tonnes of landfill waste annually and accounts for 10 per cent of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and ship movements combined.

Those startling numbers prompted Hannon Comazzetto to launch AirRobe, which allows consumers to re-sell, rent or recycle their fashion purchases.

“Like most people, I hate seeing fast fashion ending up in landfill but I also understand the financial realities of not being able to invest in slow and sustainable fashion all the time,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to make it easier for buyers and sellers to make more sustainable choices and make some money at the same time.”

The 29-year-old launched the service in 2019 and it quickly attracted investors’ attention.

While AirRobe’s appeal to fashionistas is apparent, Ms Comazzetto is determined to involve major retailers in the project as she pushes the idea of a circular economy.