OSAKA, JAPAN — A student team from MAN 2 Kota Malang won the Best Group award at the Japan Youth Summit (JYS) 2026 Autumn Edition, held in Osaka, Japan, from October 19–22, 2026. The award recognized their project, PunarVastra, which proposes a technology-driven approach to textile waste management through a circular economy model.
Titled “Our Wardrobe Inside the Landfills,” the project addresses the growing problem of clothing waste caused in part by low public awareness of textile sorting and recycling. Through PunarVastra, the team proposes a clothing collection system that connects communities with donation partners, recycling facilities, and local businesses.
Meet the Team
PunarVastra was developed by nine students from MAN 2 Kota Malang:
- Aulia Naura Nadhifa
- Daffa Taaj Mulkilakbar
- A. Riuki Sabrina Taufam
- Fian Chalif Azami
- Danisy Izzan Burhan
- Nahda Al Ikhtimam
- Lana Nazahiah
- Callysta Qabysha
- Safira Putri Febrianti
PunarVastra: A Solution to Textile Waste
PunarVastra was developed in response to the challenges of inadequate textile waste management. The team highlighted that most textile waste is not collected separately. Limited public information about where and how to dispose of used clothing also makes it difficult for people to donate or recycle unwanted garments.
This problem has significant environmental consequences. The team’s presentation cited data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which estimates that approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated worldwide each year. Poorly managed textile waste remains a major challenge for waste reduction and responsible consumption.
PunarVastra is designed as a reward-based textile collection platform. It combines smart donation machines, a web and mobile platform, and educational programmes to encourage more responsible clothing disposal.
Also read: Japan Youth Summit 2026 Autumn Edition Honors Outstanding Young Innovators from Around the World
Combining Technology and the Circular Economy
The project proposes a smart donation machine where users can deposit used clothing. Using a 2D vision camera and image-processing technology, the machine detects and measures garments. After the items are recorded, users receive points through a QR code linked to the PunarVastra platform.
These points can be exchanged for vouchers from partner micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The system aims to encourage public participation while creating new opportunities for collaboration with local businesses.
Collected clothing is then sorted according to its condition and potential use. Wearable items can be sent to donation partners or second-hand clothing stores. Materials suitable for reuse in new products can be directed to upcycling initiatives, while recyclable textiles are sent to recycling partners.
Beyond collection, PunarVastra includes workshops and educational programmes on textile waste, fast fashion, and responsible consumption. These activities target middle and high school students as well as the wider community. Participants are encouraged to repair clothing to extend its lifespan and transform textile waste into functional products.
Youth Collaboration for Environmental Solutions
Through PunarVastra, the team proposes an approach that connects textile waste management with public education and local economic development. The project also creates opportunities for partnerships with MSMEs, recycling facilities, and upcycling businesses.
Winning the Best Group award at Japan Youth Summit 2026 recognizes the team’s project and highlights the role young people can play in developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Muhammad Aldi Subakti, Chairman of Japan Youth Summit 2026, congratulated the MAN 2 Kota Malang team on their achievement with the PunarVastra project.
“Congratulations to the MAN 2 Kota Malang team on winning Best Group. We hope PunarVastra continues to grow and make a positive impact on the environment. Keep achieving, innovating, and creating meaningful change,” said Aldi.
Also read: Japan Youth Summit 2026 Announces Award Winners, Celebrating Youth Innovation and Leadership
About Japan Youth Summit
Japan Youth Summit 2026 marked the fourth edition of JYS organized by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB). Under the theme “Beyond Limits: Youth Leading the Next Era of Innovation and Global Stability,” the summit brought together young people from different countries to develop ideas, exchange perspectives, and collaborate on solutions to global challenges.
Further Information
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https://japanyouthsummit.com/
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 2026 Autumn Edition, held in Osaka, Japan.){kind=link}