In a significant move towards a more sustainable future, Goodwill, Reju, and WM have joined forces to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing textile recycling in North America. This multi-year collaboration seeks to address the pressing issue of textile waste, which currently sees a minuscule percentage recycled globally.
The partnership aims to establish a robust system for collecting, sorting, reusing, and recycling discarded textiles across the continent. The ultimate goal is to divert a larger proportion of non-wearable textiles from landfills, ushering in a new era of circularity within the textile industry.
A Collaborative Approach to Textile Recycling
The initiative will see Goodwill, the leading workforce development network and secondhand retailer in North America, and WM, North America’s environmental solutions provider, collaborate on pilot projects to efficiently collect, sort, and grade discarded textiles. While some of these textiles will be suitable for resale through Goodwill’s extensive network, the remaining portion will be channeled to Reju, a pioneering textile-to-textile regeneration company.
Reju, armed with cutting-edge technology, is developing the infrastructure to regenerate certain types of textile waste at scale, with a focus on polyester. Their innovative process, which utilizes technology developed in partnership with IBM research, is expected to produce Reju Polyester, a material boasting a 50% lower carbon footprint compared to virgin polyester. Reju’s commitment to circularity extends to the regeneration process, which can be repeated indefinitely.
A Vision for a Circular Textile Ecosystem
The collaboration envisions a comprehensive system that encourages the reuse of textiles whenever possible, with recycling serving as a crucial secondary option. The program’s success hinges on diverting more textiles from the waste stream and incorporating them into a robust recovery cycle. Goodwill and WM will play a critical role in this process through their extensive collection and sorting capabilities.
Reju is actively preparing to establish a U.S.-based regeneration hub to serve the American market. This hub is expected to utilize materials collected by Goodwill and WM that are not suitable for resale, further reinforcing the commitment to a circular textile ecosystem.
Leading the Charge for a Sustainable Future
This collaborative effort is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the urgent need for a more circular textile industry. Goodwill, Reju, and WM are poised to be transformative forces in this endeavor, working together to reduce textile waste, create jobs, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Goodwill’s Extensive Reach
Goodwill’s vast network of over 3,300 stores and donation centers, situated within 10 miles of 83% of the U.S. population, makes it a prime location for textile collection. This existing infrastructure, coupled with Goodwill’s strong public trust, positions the organization as a vital collection point for textiles. The organization is actively inviting brands to collaborate and develop innovative solutions for managing their product lifecycle.
A Shared Commitment to Workforce Development
The initiative is not only about sustainability but also about creating jobs and supporting communities. Revenue generated from the sale of donated goods has long been a cornerstone of Goodwill’s mission, funding workforce development programs and services that empower individuals to reach their full potential. The collaborative effort will extend this mission to include non-wearable textiles, ensuring that the value of these materials continues to contribute to impactful community programs.
This ambitious project marks a pivotal moment in the textile industry’s journey towards sustainability and a circular economy. Goodwill, Reju, and WM are leading the charge, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
