CO Data
Trade in Second-hand Clothing – Scale and Impact
Most donated clothing is now sold for reuse to markets in Asia and Africa. What seems a neat solution to millions of tonnes of clothing discarded annually is undercutting local garment manufacturing.
Second-hand or used clothing has become an important source of apparel in low- and middle-income countries, much of which is recycled from wealthier nations. (A parallel although much smaller scale preference is also emerging for second-hand clothing in high-income countries as a low-cost source of sustainable fashion or for its unique ‘vintage’ appeal1.)
Only 20% of post-consumer garments are collected for either reuse or recycling.
The Pulse Report 2017 estimated that only 20% of post-consu…
Become a PRO Member to access this page
PRO members can access premium content and training, attend exclusive members events, and much more. Unlock resources and tools to help you do fashion better.
Find out more14 May 2018
