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Copenhagen Cartel: On a mission to reduce waste in the oceans
Copenhagen Cartel is on a mission to reduce the
amount of plastic in the oceans. Read more about their journey here.
Copenhagen Cartel was founded in 2019 by Katrine Lee Larsen with the goal to challenge the traditional consumer- and production patterns. The startup gained public attention when it got funded by Christian Arnstedt in the Danish version of the TV-program the Lions Den (Løvens hule).
The mission for Copenhagen Cartel was to create a brand that helps reduce waste on the planet, and especially in the oceans. Their solution? Remove plastic waste polluting the seas and use it to create clothing such as swim- and sportswear.
Sharing their best advice
The founders of Copenhagen Cartel will be joining the Red Bull Basement workshop in Copenhagen on 21st of October. If you are joining, you will have the opportunity to hear the inspiring and motivating story of their entrepreneurial journey. Get a preview right here!
Do you have an idea that can drive positive change in the world? Red Bull Basement might be for you! Apply here.
"Reuse! Because we can't recycle the planet"
© Katrine Lee Larsen
On a mission to reduce waste on our planet
Copenhagen Cartel is on a mission to alleviate some of the pressure on our planet, especially the oceans. They do this by challenging the traditional ways of producing and consuming fashion.
"We use sustainable and innovative fibers, materials, and production methods. This allows us to produce sustainable high-quality, lasting products that literally cleans the oceans from plastic waste."
We truly believe in putting people and the planet before profit – and impact before glory.
Copenhagen Cartel strives to be much more than just a clothing brand. It is a community of passionate and aspirational front runners who facilitate opportunities for people and other brands to join them in making choices that are more sustainable.
"We truly believe in putting people and the planet before profit – and impact before glory. We live and breathe to rid the oceans of plastic waste," Lee Larsen explains. She continues, "It’s on the agenda in everything we do, both as a brand and as human beings living and fulfilling the mission of Copenhagen Cartel; to contribute to keeping the ocean healthy - for ourselves, for you and for generations to come."
We work hard, every day, to lead the way to a cleaner ocean through our plastic positive, sustainable, and high-quality products, collaborations, initiatives and donations.
The idea phase
"Imagine yourself on a surfboard in the middle of the sea. It is a beautiful morning; the sun is shining, and the sun rays are glancing on the water. You look down and find yourself surrounded by plastic waste." This was what Katrine Lee Larsen experienced when she lived and worked in Bali in 2016. It left a great impact on her, and she knew action had to be taken.
"The true magnitude of ocean plastic pollution is mind-blowing. When we realised that the oceans are home to millions of tons of plastic waste just floating around, threatening the very existence of life underwater, we knew that action needed to be taken. And the idea of Copenhagen Cartel was born."
Katrine Lee Larsen in the Copenhagen Cartel shop in Copenhagen
© Katrine Lee Larsen
Learn from the challenges
"Being a startup means overcoming challenges every single day," Lee Larsen says, and contines: "It often feels like you need to learn a new “language” every week. That’s why you need to be a person that loves a good challenge, who’s driven by curiosity and an urge to learn."
Being a startup comes with daily challenges, and Copenhagen Cartel has had to go through trials and tribulations to be where they are today.
We learn, become better and smarter from every challenge we face.
"We experienced and survived Covid-19, delayed productions and deliveries, rejections and cashflow issues. But it’s part of the journey and we learn, become better, and smarter from every challenge we face."
What do you wish you had known before starting the project?
You are not alone!
That is one of the things the founder of Copenhagen Cartel, Katrine Lee Larsen, wishes she had known when starting the project. She continues, "There are so many challenges, new areas, never ending to-dos, and you do not have the answers to everything. I learned that so many competent and experienced people actually want to support, help, and guide the startup environment. You just need to ask."
Best advice for new startups
"Have a clear purpose. It’s your northen star, your guidance. It’s the reason why you get up in the morning," Lee Larsen says. She continues: "Follow your own path and challenge the traditional ways. Be loud where others are silent. Surround yourself with likeminded people who share your purpose and values."
Be bold, be brave, be human.
Do you have an idea that can drive positive change in the world, and do you want to bring this idea to life? Then apply for Red Bull Basement.
Read more about Red Bull Basement
