The fashion industry is at a crucial point as we try to handle waste and be more environmentally friendly. Innovative strategies for managing discarded textiles are essential for the industry’s future.
Among these, effective textile sorting processes are transforming how we handle waste and post-consumer textiles, such as unwanted clothing. These methods not only extend the life of garments but also significantly reduce landfill contributions.
TEXTILE House: Two Decades of Sustainable Practices
TEXTILE House has been at the forefront of sustainability in the fashion industry for over 20 years. Their sorting process involves acquiring used or discarded textiles from various sources and categorizing them meticulously based on fabric type, condition, and potential for reuse. This step is crucial in determining the future of each item—whether it can be resold as secondhand clothing, repurposed into new products, or recycled.
In 2024, TEXTILE House aims to process 30,000 tons of textiles at its 19,000-square-meter sorting and recycling center in Slovakia, with an estimated 24,000 tons earmarked for reuse. Of this, 30 to 40 percent will be sold through their network of 170 secondhand and vintage shops across eleven European countries. The remaining 20 percent, which cannot be reused, will be recycled through partnerships. For example, unusable sweaters may become cover mats, while feathers from non-reusable blankets can be repurposed as pillow filling. Less than 3 percent of textiles that cannot be reused or recycled will be converted into solid recovered fuel.
Environmental Impact
TEXTILE House aligns with the EU’s waste hierarchy, focusing on maximizing reuse. Currently, 77 percent of its processed materials find new life, primarily through its extensive network of secondhand shops. The organization maintains a minimal waste footprint, with less than 3 percent of materials utilized as solid recovered fuel.
Impressive Statistics:
- Sorting Capacity: TEXTILE House expects to sort 30,000 tons of textiles this year, which is equivalent to filling about 30 Eiffel Towers with clothes.
- Reuse Impact: With 77 percent of these textiles being reused, approximately 24,000 tons are diverted from landfills—enough to fill the Empire State Building multiple times.
- Water Savings: Recycling or reusing a kilogram of textiles saves about 200 liters of water. Processing 30,000 tons could save up to six billion liters, enough to fill around 2,400 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Leadership in Sustainability
TEXTILE House’s participation in the Circular Textile Days underscores its leadership in promoting sustainable practices. This platform allows them to showcase their strategies and collaborate with industry leaders to drive the fashion sector toward a more sustainable future.
The Future of TEXTILE House
As TEXTILE House continues to innovate and expand its sorting capacity—targeting 100,000 tons per year—it plays an increasingly vital role in sustainability. As the sole recovery operator for Refashion, the French Producer Responsibility Organization for textile Extended Producer Responsibility, TEXTILE House sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in Central and Eastern Europe.
Engaging with TEXTILE House’s sustainable practices is essential for both industry professionals and consumers. By integrating environmental considerations into its business model, TEXTILE House demonstrates significant ecological and economic benefits, advocating for the broader adoption of sustainability in the fashion industry. Their approach not only manages discarded textiles but also redefines the lifecycle of fashion, setting a precedent for responsible business practices.
