What is the BEDI Project?
BEDI, founded in 2019 by Inder Bedi, is all about creating utilitarian pieces with a mission that’s close to the planet’s heart. Their brand promise? ONE DAY EVERYTHING NEW WILL COME FROM SOMETHING OLD. It’s a bold vision, rooted in designing outerwear, bags, and knits that don’t just look good but also clean up and preserve the environment. The flagship store, located in Montreal’s Mile End district, is a unique sustainable space in North America, showcasing a full range of these thoughtfully crafted items. You can also find BEDI’s collections at select retailers like HOLT RENFREW.
Main Benefits of BEDI’s Approach
What really sets BEDI apart? It’s the blend of sustainability, craftsmanship, and design philosophy. Here are some key facts and figures that highlight their impact:
- Material sources include upcycled seat belts, retired airline seats, salvaged furniture, and ECONYL® — a cutting-edge sustainable fabric from Italy made from regenerated fishnets.
- Canadian craftsmanship ensures each piece is made to last for life, reflecting a Japandi design approach that balances elevated utility with simplicity.
- Certified B Corp with a score of 103.7, demonstrating strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
- Additional certifications include USDA Organic, Oeko-tex standard 100, and REACH compliance.
- Ethically made in Canada, with lifetime warranties, plastic-free packaging, and carbon-neutral shipping.
The Story Behind the Materials
BEDI’s materials tell a story of transformation. Instead of relying on virgin fabrics, the project taps into landfill materials and ocean pollution as sources of inspiration and raw materials. For example, retired Air Canada seats and upcycled seat belts from local scrapyards become durable backpacks and duffle bags. ECONYL®, sourced from Italy, is a fabric made from regenerated fishnets, turning ocean waste into high-performance textiles. This approach not only reduces waste but also pushes the boundaries of what sustainable fashion can be.
Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Grounded in the Japandi style, BEDI’s designs are all about elevated utility — simple, functional, and built to last. The collection includes outerwear like parkas and winter coats, as well as bags, sweaters, wallets, and t-shirts. Every detail is meticulously crafted by Canadian artisans who share the vision of creating pieces that contribute to the circular economy. The focus is on longevity, meaning these aren’t just seasonal items but lifetime companions.
Community and Collaboration
BEDI thrives on community interaction. The Mile End studios aren’t just a workspace; they’re a hub where the team connects with customers and local supporters to learn, grow, and push sustainable fashion further. It’s a collective effort — a village, really — that fuels innovation and commitment. This ongoing dialogue helps BEDI stay at the forefront of sustainable design and maintain its role as a game changer in the apparel industry.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water (through ocean waste regeneration)
- SDG 15: Life on Land (by reducing landfill waste)
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (supporting Canadian craftsmanship)
Looking Ahead: The Future of BEDI
The launch of BEDI Studios marks a new chapter, blending design equilibrium with positive environmental impact. This journey reflects over 20 years of exploration into sustainable fashion, starting from a university paper to founding a vegan leather accessories brand. Today, BEDI continues to innovate, driven by a passion to create advanced sustainable offerings that challenge the status quo. It’s a story of evolution, community, and a relentless push toward a circular economy where every new thing truly comes from something old.
