Undergarments may be small in size, but they play a significant role in everyone's wardrobe. Often considered the first line of defense when dressing, these pieces offer support, comfort, and confidence. And while they may not take up much space, quality underwear—especially a well-made bra—often comes with a hefty price tag.

Let’s face it: Women go the extra mile to care for their favorite bras, knowing that proper care can extend their life. So when it’s finally time to part ways with a beloved piece, it’s never easy. But have you ever wondered where your old bras end up? Instead of tossing them into landfills where they contribute to environmental waste, there are better, more sustainable options—like giving them a second life.

One such initiative is spearheaded by Wacoal, in partnership with Guun Co. Ltd., a Japanese waste management company that operates a factory in Cebu. Together, they’ve developed a bra recycling program designed to transform pre-loved undergarments into something useful and eco-friendly.

Here’s how it works: Once you donate your old bras to any Wacoal boutique nationwide, they are sent directly to Guun. There, the garments undergo a process that converts them into fluff fuel—a type of alternative energy source made from waste materials like plastic, paper, and fibers. Fluff fuel serves as a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels, such as coal, and is used by cement manufacturers in Cebu to power their operations.

According to Elmira Cadungog, marketing manager of Wacoal Philippines, a company-led survey revealed that 61 percent of women prefer not to throw their old bras in the trash. This program offers an eco-conscious solution for that hesitation.

“You can tell that a bra is old when it starts to lose its shape, support, or shows visible signs of wear and tear. That’s when it’s time to let go,” Elimira shared. “With our bra recycling campaign, running every July to September, women can donate their old, ill-fitting bras and be part of something meaningful.”

But that’s not all. While many donated bras are converted into fluff fuel, others are processed into recycled yarn—materials that can be used to create new garments, effectively helping to close the loop in textile production. Even the bra's metal components are not wasted, as they are sent to specialized facilities for metal recycling.

As a simple thank you, customers who donate their bras receive a free eco bag. And for those concerned about privacy, Elmira assures that all donations remain sealed and are sent directly to Guun for processing. “At Wacoal Philippines, we promise never to open the donated bras. Everything goes straight to our recycling partner,” she emphasized.

By supporting programs like this, women can make a small yet powerful choice to help the planet while saying goodbye to their old favorites, guilt-free.