Clothing take back schemes has gained popularity as a responsible solution to address the rising volumes of textile waste. These programs allow consumers to recycle or donate their old clothes in exchange for vouchers or discounts on new purchases.
In today’s world, where concerns about waste and sustainability are growing, brands are increasingly looking for innovative ways to tackle the issue of clothing disposal.
However, recent investigations have shed light on the challenges and shortcomings of these schemes. In this article, we will explore how brands like H&M, M&S, Schuh, John Lewis, River Island, and New Look are revolutionizing clothing take-back programs in the UK to ensure a more sustainable end to the lifecycle of garments.
The Changing Landscape of Clothing Take-Back SchemeS
The Promise To responsibly Repurpose Unwanted Clothes
Brands like H&M have launched clothing take-back programs with the promise of ensuring a responsible end-of-life for unwanted garments.
The idea behind these programs is to give new life to wearable clothes through resale or upcycling. If a garment cannot be sold, it can be turned into cleaning cloths, while anything that cannot be re-used is shredded for insulation and other purposes.
Despite the promises made by brands, an investigation conducted by the ‘Changing Markets Foundation’ revealed a different reality.
Investigating the Garments within the Take Back Scheme
Despite the promises made by brands, an investigation conducted by the ‘Changing Markets Foundation’ revealed a different reality.
Only FIVE of these garments were resold in Europe!
While the rest were destroyed, downcycled, stored in warehouses, or shipped to second-hand markets in Africa.
The Environmental Impact of Mismanaged Clothing Take-Back Programs
Dumping unwanted clothes in landfills or sending them to developing countries with already overflowing secondhand markets contributes to the mounting environmental challenges we face today!
It is clear that the current systems in place for sorting and disposing of returned garments are not sufficient to ensure a truly sustainable end to their lifecycle.
The Path Towards a More Responsible Clothing Take-Back System
Addressing the Challenges of Tracking and Tracing
One of the major challenges in ensuring the responsible disposal of old clothes is the lack of effective tracking and tracing systems.
Most fashion companies outsource the sorting and disposal process to third-party businesses, making it difficult to monitor the fate of each garment.
Investing in improved tracking technologies and transparent supply chain practices is essential to overcome this challenge!
Transitioning to Textile-to-Textile Recycling
Currently, options for textile-to-textile recycling, where clothes are transformed back into raw materials for the fashion industry, are limited.
However, this is an area that is gradually gaining momentum.
A small number of plants are beginning to scale up operations, providing hope for a more circular and sustainable approach to clothing disposal.
The Role of Regulation in Driving Change
Regulatory attention is mounting in the fashion industry, particularly in the European Union. The EU estimates that its citizens discard around 12 kilograms of textile products each year.
It has proposed new rules aiming to make brands financially responsible for managing textile waste.
This regulatory push is likely to ensure brands invest in more sustainable and efficient clothing take-back programs.
Brands Leading the Way in Revolutionizing Clothing Take-Back Programs
John Lewis – “Fashion Cycle”:
Fostering a Circular Economy
John Lewis has introduced the “Fashion Cycle” scheme, allowing customers to return old clothes in exchange for credit.
Accepted items include shirts, t-shirts, jumpers, jackets, and more. Customers receive £5 credit towards a new purchase of at least £20.
This initiative promotes a circular economy within the fashion industry and encourages customers to make more sustainable choices.
H&M
Learning from Mistakes and Building Solutions
H&M, one of the pioneers in clothing take-back programs, acknowledges the challenges of ensuring responsible disposal.
In response to the investigation by the Changing Markets Foundation, the company admitted that it had failed to meet its own standards and switched partners for its collection program.
H&M is now dedicated to building solutions that ensure used textiles are managed responsibly.
M&S and Oxfam
A Partnership for Change
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has joined forces with Oxfam to create the Shwopping Clothes Exchange scheme.
By donating old clothes at an Oxfam store, customers receive a £5 voucher to spend on clothing at M&S.
This partnership not only encourages responsible disposal but also supports charitable organizations. M&S also offers other incentives, such as 20% off selected kids’ clothes and freebies through their Sparks loyalty scheme.
River Island x ReSkinned
Embracing Circular Fashion
River Island has partnered with ReSkinned to offer a unique clothing take-back scheme.
Customers can send at least three items to ReSkinned via courier and receive a £5 voucher to use on purchases over £40 at River Island stores.
This collaboration promotes circular fashion by ensuring the reuse of materials and reducing waste.
Schuh
Promoting Sustainability in Footwear
Schuh encourages customers to donate their old shoes through the “Sell Your Soles” scheme. For every pair of shoes donated, customers receive a £5 voucher to use at Schuh. The donated shoes are sent to Recyclatex, where approximately 98% of the materials are reused. This initiative not only reduces waste but also supports sustainable footwear practices.
New Look and Hospice UK
Supporting Charitable Causes
New Look has partnered with Hospice UK to offer customers a voucher worth 15% off full-price items in exchange for a bag of donated clothing.
This scheme supports charitable causes and encourages customers to recycle their unwanted clothes.
By donating to participating hospice charity shops, customers contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
George at Asda
Combining Fashion and Sustainability
George at Asda encourages customers to donate 10 or more unwanted clothes and textiles. In return, customers receive a 10% off code to use on George products.
This initiative aims to reduce waste and promote sustainable fashion practices.
By offering incentives, George at Asda encourages customers to actively participate in clothing take-back programs.
TK Maxx and Cancer Research
Making a Difference
TK Maxx has partnered with Cancer Research to create a clothing donation scheme.
Customers can bring a bag of unwanted clothes to TK Maxx. Which will then be passed on to Cancer Research for sale or recycling.
The proceeds from these donations go directly to Cancer Research, supporting vital research and contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Zara
Embracing Responsibility
Zara accepts unwanted clothes that are either donated to those in need or sold by charitable organizations to raise funds.
Although Zara does not offer vouchers or discounts, this initiative reflects the brand’s commitment to responsible fashion practices.
By accepting donations, Zara contributes to reducing waste and supporting charitable causes.
Clothing take-back programs have become an essential part of the fashion industry’s efforts to address the issue of textile waste.
While challenges and shortcomings exist, brands are taking steps towards revolutionizing these programs to ensure a more sustainable end to the lifecycle of garments.
By investing in tracking and tracing technologies, transitioning to textile-to-textile recycling, and embracing regulatory changes, brands are paving the way for a more responsible and circular fashion industry.
Through partnerships with charitable organizations and the offer of incentives, brands are encouraging customers to actively participate in clothing take-back schemes, fostering a sense of responsibility and promoting sustainable fashion practices.
Together, we can create a future where waste is minimized, and the fashion industry thrives in harmony with the environment.