Creative upcycling as a pedagogical strategy for textile waste management at Bawku Technical Institute in Ghana

The global fashion industry generates significant waste, threatening environmental sustainability, with Ghana receiving large volumes of second-hand clothing, much of which becomes waste. Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions contribute to this issue but also offer opportunities for sustainable solutions. This study explored creative upcycling as a teaching strategy for textile waste management at Bawku Technical Institute. Using a studio-based artistic research approach, 29 participants engaged in a 12-week project transforming fabric offcuts into wedding décor through processes such as collection, design, and construction using stitching, gluing, and layering techniques. Data from interviews, observations, and photographs were analysed thematically alongside artistic critique. Findings showed that hands-on activities enhanced students’ technical skills in colour sorting, pattern design, and material use. Participants also shifted their perception of textile waste from useless material to a valuable creative resource. The upcycled products were culturally appropriate and positively received by wedding professionals. Additionally, the project revealed strong potential for curriculum integration and student entrepreneurship. The study concludes that creative upcycling is an effective pedagogical tool for promoting sustainability and recommends institutional adoption, including establishing a Material Innovation Hub and fostering local partnerships.