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Consumers
Consumers role
As consumers buy more and more products, volumes of discarded textiles increase. Simple solutions can relieve the pressure.
Effective recycling solutions benefit people, businesses, and the environment – and now they are needed more than ever! Reuse and recycling of discarded textiles is the only way.
consumers
Consumer involvement: What can be recycled?
We believe recycling should be simple. The participation of all of us, as consumers or citizens, is crucial to make it happen.
Adopting the right decisions and behaviours to promote a circular economy begins in the shop when we choose our product. Do we consider its energy efficiency? Is the product recyclable? Does it have recycled materials?
Services
Recycling materials for a healthy environment
Recycling saves valuable raw materials and conserves energy. Our planet’s resources are finite. Only increased use of secondary raw materials can stop the linear economy and conserve available resources.
Our space is finite; landfills poison our environment with hazardous, toxic substances.
A safer and greener environment improves the quality and enjoyment of our lives.
Recycling and reuse means that we consume fewer materials, have less waste to treat, and spend less energy mining and refining new raw materials.
Recycling
How are end of use textiles processed?
Discarded textiles go through various processing methods depending on their condition and intended reuse or recycling. The sorting method is in line with waste hierarchy.
The next best use of every single discarded textile item is decided during a thorough sorting process. Textiles are sorted based on their composition, quality, and potential for reuse. Items in good condition may be set aside for reuse, while damaged or low-quality textiles are earmarked for recycling.
Textiles
1. Reuse and Resale
Wearable and usable textiles, such as second-hand clothing, are sorted according to season and fashionable aspects and made available for resale. This extends the lifespan of the garments and promotes a circular economy.
2. Recycling
Textiles that cannot be reused as a whole are either mechanically or chemically processed to extract the fibers. Mechanical recycling involves shredding the textiles into small pieces, which are then re-spun into new yarns for fabric production. Chemical recycling techniques break down the textiles into their chemical components, allowing for the production of new fibers or raw materials.
3. Upcycling
Some discarded textiles with unique patterns, prints, or textures are repurposed through upcycling. This involves transforming them into new products, such as bags, accessories, or home décor items, without breaking down the original fabric.
4. Energy Recovery
In cases where textiles cannot be effectively recycled or upcycled, they may be used as a source of energy through incineration. This process generates heat and electricity, contributing to the energy supply.
