The Mills Fabrica is on a mission to drive sustainability efforts
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The Mills Fabrica is on a mission to drive sustainability efforts

Innovating textiles, agrifood, and techstyle, Nunes leads transformative change for a sustainable Southeast Asia. 

As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, industries are searching for innovative pathways towards sustainability. At the forefront of this movement is The Mills Fabrica, a Hong Kong-based innovation accelerator transforming the textile, apparel, and agrifood sectors. Together, these industries contribute up to 44% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the urgency for change. Leading The Mills Fabrica’s efforts in Asia is Cintia Nunes, General Manager and Head of Asia, whose commitment to sustainability and social impact is reshaping these critical sectors. 

A Vision for Purpose-Driven Innovation 

Cintia Nunes, a University College London graduate (BSc Economics, 2011), brings extensive experience to her role at The Mills Fabrica. After seven years at Procter & Gamble, Nunes pivoted to purpose-driven work, joining ventures such as Grana and Dream Impact before stepping into her current position. Inspired by Muhammad Yunus’ Creating a World Without Poverty during her university years, she believes: “Business can and should be a force for societal good while remaining profitable.” 

Nunes oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives to accelerate sustainability-focused startups in the techstyle—the intersection of technology and lifestyle—and agrifood sectors. “Our mission is to create a thriving ecosystem where innovation drives both environmental and social impact,” she explains. 

Originating from the Nan Fung Group’s textile legacy, The Mills Fabrica leverages a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a venture capital fund, an incubation programme, the Impact Retail store Fabrica X, and specialised labs, co-working spaces, and event venues in Hong Kong and London. “This infrastructure allows us to support startups at every stage of their journey, from concept to commercialisation,” Nunes says. 

Driving Sustainable Change Through Collaboration 

One of The Mills Fabrica’s flagship initiatives, the Techstyle For Social Good competition, exemplifies its dedication to fostering sustainable innovation. In partnership with organisations such as Thai Union Group PCL and HKRITA, the competition identifies breakthrough solutions addressing pressing environmental challenges. 

In Thailand, the initiative aligns with the nation’s bio-circular green economic model, particularly in the textile industry. “Thailand is rapidly embracing sustainability,” Nunes observes. “We see more manufacturers adopting practices focused on bio-based materials, waste reduction, and resource efficiency.” 

Key Phases of Innovation and TMF’s Support 

TMF offers a tailored framework to support entrepreneurs through every stage of innovation: 

  • Idea-Development Process: TMF fosters curiosity and helps entrepreneurs turn concepts into actionable goals through workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and industry events, leveraging its global network of ecosystem partners.
  • Core Innovation Process: Startups refine and test ideas, transforming them into market-ready products. TMF supports this phase via its Incubation Programme, Partnership Initiatives, Techstyle for Social Good, and Fabrica Lab, offering validation, feedback, and iterative development opportunities.
  • Making and Measuring Planet-Positive Change: TMF scales innovations with a focus on measurable environmental impact, aligned with the planetary boundaries framework. Entrepreneurs can also test product viability and collect real customer data at Fabrica X, TMF's impact retail store. 

TMF’s Collaboration with Educational Institutions 

TMF partners with leading institutions, including Chulalongkorn University, the National University of Singapore, and Universitas Pancasila, to nurture young innovators. Through initiatives like the Techstyle For Social Good competition, TMF bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering a future pipeline of innovators. Over the past five years, TMF has collaborated with more than 170 institutions globally, receiving over 600 applications and awarding prizes worth USD 250K+. 

The competition’s 2024 winner, Baytech-HMS, exemplifies innovation in sustainability. Its HandMadeStone (HMS) technology, a sustainable alternative to traditional pumice stones used in denim production, significantly reduces water and energy consumption while eliminating toxic sludge. HMS is 37.5 times more durable than pumice, resulting in a 97.5% reduction in CO2 emissions. 

Another standout innovator, Fibe, achieves 94% CO2 savings and is 83% more cost-effective than the current eco-leader, hemp. Fibe has also developed a groundbreaking textile alternative using potato waste, reducing land use by 90% and water consumption by 96% compared to conventional cotton production. 

Supporting Young Innovators for Long-Term Impact 

Nunes believes empowering young entrepreneurs is essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. “Many groundbreaking ideas come from students and recent graduates who are deeply engaged in research and innovation,” she notes. 

Since 2019, the Techstyle For Social Good competition has supported over 28 winners globally, many of whom have transformed their innovations into thriving businesses. Thailand’s Chalupas, a 2024 finalist, is one such success story, upcycling agricultural waste into sustainable clothing while addressing environmental challenges and creating economic opportunities. 

Beyond competitions, The Mills Fabrica provides young entrepreneurs with invaluable resources, including a three-month residency in Hong Kong or London, mentorship, and access to collaborators and potential customers. These initiatives ensure startups have the tools to scale their innovations while remaining true to their sustainability missions. 

Thailand’s Role in Southeast Asia’s Green Future 

With its robust textile and agricultural sectors, Thailand is uniquely positioned to lead Southeast Asia’s sustainable innovation efforts. Nunes highlights the country’s strategic importance: “Thailand’s manufacturing capabilities, coupled with its entrepreneurial spirit and government support, make it an ideal hub for green innovation.” 

The Mills Fabrica aims to deepen its presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on transformative solutions such as alternative proteins, smart farming technologies, and sustainable production practices. “Southeast Asia is emerging as a powerhouse for modern technology,” Nunes says. “We are excited to support the region’s innovators in tackling climate change and advancing food security.” 

A Commitment to Measurable Impact 

For The Mills Fabrica, success is measured not just by financial returns but by tangible environmental and social outcomes. Through partnerships, investments, and educational initiatives, the organisation is creating a ripple effect of positive change across industries. 

“We believe collaboration is key,” Nunes concludes. “By connecting startups, corporations, and academic institutions, we can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and inclusive future.” 

As Thailand and the region continue to embrace sustainable innovation, The Mills Fabrica’s role as a catalyst for change is more critical than ever. Entrepreneurs, investors, and organisations eager to drive impactful solutions are invited to join this transformative journey. 

Cintia Nunes Drives The Mills Fabrica’s Sustainability Vision 
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