Written in partnership with Mae Cornes
Photo courtesy of Angus Willows
People often associate sustainability with grand gestures and monumental actions, such as large-scale environmental projects or sweeping policy reforms. However, Angus Willows, a 24-year-old inventor, has taken a different approach. He believes participating in the cause means changing daily habits as simple as how people hang their clothes.
In a dorm room at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, Angus conceived of an idea that would challenge the century-old design of the humble hanger, transforming it into a symbol of sustainability and innovation.
As the world struggles with the mounting challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, Angus’ invention, the Kangaroo Hanger, offers a refreshing perspective on how small, everyday choices can contribute to a more significant movement. With a design that combines the functionality of a paperclip with the familiarity of a coat hanger, the Kangaroo Hanger promises to revolutionize how people think about sustainability in their wardrobes and beyond.
One Hanger for All Needs
Angus’ journey began with a simple observation: today’s hangers are often overlooked as a source of waste and environmental impact. “I realized that the billions of hangers produced each year, many of which end up in landfills, presented a significant opportunity for change,” he explains. The Kangaroo Hanger introduces a hanger reimagined for sustainability, versatility, and durability that reduces waste and shifts consumer behavior.
The Kangaroo Hanger shows Angus’ commitment to simplicity and sustainability. Made from 100% recycled materials, the hanger’s innovative design securely holds a wide range of garments with its streamlined shape. Offering a single hanger for all clothing needs, the Kangaroo Hanger simplifies wardrobe management and significantly reduces clutter. By minimising the environmental impact and waste associated with the production and disposal of multiple hanger types. It’s truly the ultimate closet organiser.
“From pants and shirts to strap dresses, suits, towels, or even heavy jackets, our Kangaroo Hanger is designed to accommodate a vast array of garments,” Angus states. It highlights the brand’s focus on practicality and minimalism, catering to the diverse requirements of modern consumers.
Available in four distinct colors, its robust patented design is break-resistant and crafted from high-strength recycled materials. The hangers can support even the heaviest garments, contributing to sustainability by minimizing the need for frequent replacements.
“We wanted to create a product that was environmentally friendly, intuitive, and user-friendly,” Angus says. “The Kangaroo Hanger is a perfect example of how sustainability and functionality coexist in a beautiful, minimalist design.”
Starting Small, Thinking Big
Despite the innovative model, Angus acknowledges that the Kangaroo Hanger is only a small contribution to the wide-scale sustainability problem. He understands that the work requires a holistic approach, with all consumers doing their part to realize the broader impact of their hanger use and overall lifestyle choices on the environment.
However, Angus believes that every revolution starts from a small vision. He hopes that providing a new face of sustainable hangers in the fast fashion industry opens opportunities for broader change.
“We see this as an opportunity to spark a broader conversation about sustainability in everyday products. If we can reimagine something as simple as a hanger, what else can we transform to reduce our environmental impact?” he posits.
Building on a Good Start
The Kangaroo Hanger sees a good start, with over 70 million organic viral views in just six months and significant pre-order and launch sales. For Angus, it suggests that consumers are ready to embrace sustainable alternatives and participate in the fashion industry in this way.
“We’re offering a new way of thinking and not just selling a product,” Angus mentions. “Making small, conscious choices daily can collectively create a ripple effect that leads to meaningful change.”
As the world faces the urgent need for sustainable solutions, Angus’s Kangaroo Hanger illustrates how innovation is often found in the most unexpected places, in spaces as random as dorm rooms. Angus’s dedication to simplicity, functionality, and environmental stewardship has reinvented the hanger and urged industry leaders and consumers to view sustainability differently, starting in their own closets.
Kangaroo Hanger is officially available in the US.
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