SUSTASIA 2025: Celebrating Asia’s SustainableDesign Leaders—and the Materials Powering Them

The SUSTASIA Fashion Prize 2025 brought together some of Asia’s most promising design talents to explore one bold idea: Can creativity and sustainability go hand in hand? The answer was a resounding yes.

Eight finalists were selected for their standout visions of a more sustainable future, each creating garments using next-generation materials—from low-impact fibres to plant-based alternatives to leather and fur. Among them was Kha Hoang Ngo, whose elegant yet experimental designs earned widespread praise for their fusion of form, function, and environmental intent.

Celys: Behind the Material Innovation

Kha chose to work with Celys Compostable Polyester, a material developed to tackle one of fashion’s most significant challenges: polyester waste. His garments weren’t just beautiful—they were built with intention, showing how cutting-edge design can align with the principles of circularity.

At CELYS, we couldn’t have asked for a better showcase. Our fibre is engineered to offer the performance of conventional polyester—durable, versatile, and easily processed—while being fully compostable at the end of its life. Seeing designers like Kha bring that to life validates our belief that sustainable materials don’t have to come with aesthetic compromises.

From the Runway to R&D: How Designers Are Shaping the Future

Watching the designers engage with CELYS during SUSTASIA opened exciting new perspectives for our own R&D. From bold silhouettes to novel layering and dyeing techniques, the creative applications we saw sparked fresh ideas for how CELYS can be integrated into diverse product lines—from luxury ready-to-wear to everyday basics.

The Road to Innovation Isn’t Easy—But It’s Worth It

Developing compostable polyester that meets the needs of today’s fashion industry took years of innovation. Balancing performance with planet-positive impact meant reengineering everything from polymer structure to manufacturing processes. But with partners like Kha and platforms like SUSTASIA, we’re reminded why we do it: to empower designers and brands to choose better without compromising on creativity.

A Shift in Asia’s Sustainability Story

SUSTASIA’s focus on Asian design is especially timely. Awareness of sustainability is rising across the region—but so are the pressures around cost, accessibility, and scalability. What we saw during this challenge was a new kind of clarity: sustainability is no longer a niche concern—it’s a design imperative.

Looking Forward

CELYS is proud to be part of this movement—supporting the next generation of designers and collaborating with innovators who see sustainability as a canvas, not a constraint. Congratulations again to Kha Hoang Ngo and all the finalists. The future of fashion looks brighter, bolder, and more biodegradable.

Want to explore how Celys Compostable Polyester can power your next collection? Let’s talk.