Home / Insights / From Plastic Bottles To Performance Clothing – with Reflo’s co-founder Rory MacFadyen

From Plastic Bottles To Performance Clothing – with Reflo’s co-founder Rory MacFadyen

In this episode, Chris Cooper sat down for a conversation with with Rory MacFadyen, co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to revolutionise the sportswear industry by becoming the most sustainable brand in the world.

With over a decade of experience in sports and entertainment across the UK, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, Rory has built an impressive career specialising in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has worked with some of the biggest names in global sports, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, STC, and Red Bull.

Before launching Reflo, Rory played a key role in developing the Icons Series, an innovative golf concept featuring some of the most legendary athletes on the planet.

Beyond business, Rory is a passionate sports fan with a love for cricket, football, padel, and golf. A devoted supporter of Southampton FC and Sussex CCC, he finds his ultimate place of zen on the golf course.

Listen in as they explored Rory’s journey, the inspiration behind Reflo, and how he’s transforming discarded plastic bottles into high-performance sportswear.

Chris and Rory also discuss the challenges of sustainability in the apparel industry, the future of eco-friendly sports gear, and what it takes to build a brand with purpose in today’s market.

Here are some insights from the interview you won’t want to miss:

Sustainability isn’t just buzz—Reflo is proof positive you can build a successful, high-growth startup around purpose.
Authenticity resonates; Rory and his co-founder Pete live what they preach, at work and at home.
Don’t just copy competitors; disrupt industries by questioning the way things are done.
As a consumer, look beyond the greenwashing—support companies making real, transparent change.

Mistakes are how you learn. Don’t be afraid to take a risk—entrepreneurs have to push themselves outside their comfort zones. You just have to go for it sometimes and figure things out as you grow.
– Rory MacFadyen

If you’re curious about scaling a mission-driven business, the nitty-gritty of sustainable manufacturing, or how to future-proof your company for rapid growth—this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Chris Cooper & Rory MacFadyen here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

More about Rory MacFadyen:

Rory is the co-founder of Reflo, a performance-wear brand on a mission to change the sportswear game, by becoming the most sustainable sportswear brand in the world. Rory is a seasoned professional in the sports and entertainment industry, with a career spanning over a decade in the UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

His expertise lies in marketing, branding, creative direction, partnerships, and sponsorship activation. He has collaborated with prestigious rights holders such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, and global brands like STC and Red Bull. Before starting Reflo, Rory was instrumental in developing the Icons Series, a new golf concept played by some of the most iconic athletes on the planet.

As a passionate sports enthusiast, Rory has a deep love for cricket, football, padel, and golf, and proudly support Southampton FC and Sussex CCC. His ultimate place of zen is the golf course, where he finds true relaxation.