Used textiles: collection and processing in Germany
1 million tons of an estimated potential quantity of more than 1.35 million tons of used textiles are collected, reused and processed every year.1
Since the 1950s, textiles have been collected by charitable institutions in order to meet the local and global needs for well preserved second-hand clothing. In addition to classical door-to-door and street collection, an extensive, stationary container collection system established itself in the 1980s. The parameters and market structures have changed considerably since mid 2012 with the commencement of the German Recycling Law and the declaration of used textiles as waste.
Besides the immense amount of illegal collection, these factors lead to a shortage of goods within the domestic exploitation practice of specialised companies.
The consequences
References of applicable, superior waste regulations are normally referred to in tendering procedures. A professional basis, however, is often missing which makes it impossible to include qualitative needs of processing of used textiles in a tender procedure. Handling used textiles requires great care.
The status quo of tendering procedures is as follows:
Therefore high-quality sorting and processing of used textiles cannot be guaranteed anymore.
Our aims
Unified regulations for sustainable recycling of textiles
Sustainable use of textiles and their high-quality collection, sorting and processing must be ensured by qualitative requirements. Unified regulations serve as guidelines and as a professional basis for decision-makers as well as for market participants.
Effects of the guidelines
Aims of the guidelines
The guidelines should
The main function of GftZ is to further develop and specify these approaches in dialogue with all parties involved. We are also always open to dialogue with interested stakeholders about any questions regarding a sustainable textile future. We will represent our activities and contents to politics and intuitions and will present them through public relations.
Source:
1 Korolkow, J.: Konsum, Bedarf und Wiederverwendung von Bekleidung und Textilien in Deutschland – Studie im Auftrag des bvse-Bundesverband Sekundärrohstoffe und Entsorgung e. V., Institut für Aufbereitung und Recycling der RWTH Aachen: 60 S., Aachen 2015