Amid rapidly changing consumption trends in the fashion industry, many question how much impact a single piece of clothing can have on the world.
This is because the fashion industry is widely regarded as one of the major global polluters, from the rapid turnover of fast fashion to textile waste that is difficult to decompose, posing a significant challenge that apparel brands worldwide must seriously reconsider.
For UNIQLO Thailand, entering its 15th year of business, the aim is to show that clothing is more than just a transient product; it is a vital tool for weaving sustainability into Thai society through a deeper strategy than mere recycling—a foundation for a “sustainability ecosystem” that connects people, the planet, and communities.
Recently, UNIQLO, the global apparel brand, announced its sustainability goals and plans for UNIQLO Thailand in 2026, reaffirming its mission to support Thai society and people through the brand philosophy of “Unlocking the Power of Clothing.”
Yoshitake Wakakuwa, Chief Executive Officer of UNIQLO (Thailand) Co., Ltd. He said that over the 15 years since UNIQLO began operations in Thailand, the company has not only expanded stores to bring LifeWear items to Thai consumers but has also advanced sustainability activities alongside business growth.
UNIQLO has undertaken comprehensive sustainability efforts addressing environment, society, and community through its global parent company’s initiatives locally, as well as launching sustainability projects tailored specifically for Thai society in cooperation with both government and private sectors.
Since 2012, UNIQLO Thailand has continuously donated gently used UNIQLO clothing from customers to those in need. In 2023, UNIQLO launched RE.UNIQLO STUDIO, the first of its kind in Thailand, introducing the RE.UNIQLO “Warmth for All” project to donate winter clothing. In 2025, UNIQLO has partnered with various sectors to conduct sustainability activities supporting society, environment, and youth.
In Thailand, UNIQLO has continued the global initiative “The Heart of LifeWear” by donating 15,000 Heattech items to the Rom Sai Foundation and Mirror Foundation. The Rom Sai Foundation distributed Heattech clothing to remote mountain communities in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province.
RE.UNIQLO is UNIQLO’s global initiative aimed at extending the life of its clothing through REDUCE—reducing waste by repairing and redesigning garments; REUSE—passing on or donating to those in need; and RECYCLE—transforming clothing into other materials, promoting sustainable use of LifeWear.
In 2025, UNIQLO expanded partnerships and collaborated with educational institutions to collect clothing beyond in-store donation boxes to raise wider awareness and increase participation in the RE.UNIQLO program.
Since 2015, UNIQLO has placed clothing donation boxes in stores nationwide, delivering over 430,000 donated items to those in need, with an increasing trend annually.
, RE.UNIQLO STUDIO has been operating for three years at the UNIQLO CentralWorld store, aiming to extend garment life through repairs and redesign. From January to December 2025, approximately 2,400 UNIQLO items were serviced at RE.UNIQLO STUDIO, a 110% increase compared to 2024.
UNIQLO Thailand initiated clothing donation boxes in all its stores nationwide since 2015 and has passed on over 430,000 donated garments to those in need.
The number of clothes UNIQLO delivers to underprivileged people across Thailand has continuously grown each year. In this fiscal year, even halfway through, UNIQLO has already surpassed last year’s donation volume. From September 2025 to January 2026, about 95,000 items were donated nationwide through the RE.UNIQLO Warmth for All program, alongside year-round emergency support.
UNIQLO also joined the BKK Food Bank project, operated by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), which collects surplus food and essential items from donors (private sector, convenience stores) to distribute free to vulnerable, disadvantaged, and low-income groups through centers in 50 districts, helping reduce inequality, food waste, and enhance food security.
Within this initiative, UNIQLO established a clothing sharing corner called “UNIQLO Clothing Corner” with the pilot branch at the BKK Food Bank office in Suan Luang District, allowing vulnerable visitors to select quality UNIQLO clothing themselves. The project plans to expand UNIQLO Clothing Corners to all 50 district offices in Bangkok starting mid-2026, aiming for full coverage by 2030.
Additionally, Happy Gloves: Sharing Gloves for Children and the Planet was designed to support development and learning for children with cerebral palsy and includes many other projects.
UNIQLO Thailand’s sustainability goals and plans for 2026 focus on creating quality clothing with minimal environmental impact while continually supporting Thai society through RE.UNIQLO and promoting education to create career opportunities.
In 2025, all 50 UNIQLO stores properly collected and managed waste. Participating stores received training on correct five-category waste separation. UNIQLO plans to extend this collaboration to all stores and warehouses by 2026.
In 2026, UNIQLO Thailand will partner with Save the Children to conduct training and inspirational activities for over 100 youth, offering basic work experience opportunities in stores to develop skills toward their future careers.
Thus, UNIQLO’s goal is not merely business success metrics but to prove that the fashion industry can grow responsibly by transforming “clothing” into a force that drives social progress, raising environmental awareness and supporting Thai society and youth—through year-round clothing donations, employment opportunities for people with disabilities, youth development through sports, and many ongoing activities.
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