Collaboration with Refashion to ensure a better future for textiles
The textile industry is responsible for 2 to 8% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to a UN report . This impact is all the more amplified since the introduction of so-called fast fashion brands, whose business model is based on an ultra-rapid renewal of collections. This new way of consuming fashion, beyond having an environmental impact, also presents disastrous social consequences with inhumane working conditions and underpaid workers. We have already offered you an article on how to adopt a more responsible wardrobe .
It is in this context that Meanwhile Boutique, already aware of its textile impact, decides to partner with Refashion to ensure a future for its end-of-life pieces.
The textile industry: what pollutes?
Beyond its impact on global warming with 4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emitted per year, the textile industry has other harmful effects on the environment. It is the third largest water consumer after wheat and rice farming.
Furthermore, it generates plastic pollution with the release of 240,000 tonnes of microparticles from synthetic textile fibers into nature and the ocean, as well as chemical pollution. Cotton farming alone accounts for 4% of global nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use. Finally, the substances used to dye fabrics are reportedly responsible for 20% of water pollution.
Source: ADEME
The players in the textile world
From the design to the recovery of a garment or shoes, many players are involved: the materials supplier, the manufacturer or even the distributor. Everyone has a role to play to limit their impact.
However, the end of life of the garment is often forgotten. According to ADEME, 80% of worn clothes end up in the trash.
However, other players are involved in this second life cycle: the collection point holders, the sorting operators, the recycling operators or even the resellers. It is in this chain that Refashion intervenes and that Meanwhile Boutique joins the process.
The regulatory framework
The end of life of textiles, household linen and shoes (TLC) is now governed by a circular economy, reuse and recycling logic.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Anyone selling clothes, household linen or shoes is concerned by the Extended Producer Responsibility. Included in the Environmental Code, it makes market players responsible for the management of their textile waste.
The Anti-Waste and Circular Economy Law
Law No. 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 relating to the fight against waste and for the circular economy (AGEC) strengthens the terms of production and end-of-life management of TLC.
Concerned about the end of life of its textiles, Meanwhile Boutique partners with Refashion
Born from a desire to fight textile overconsumption and fast fashion, the partnership with Refashion is part of the logical continuation of the development of Meanwhile Boutique.
Slow fashion, the guiding line of Meanwhile Boutique and Refashion
According to ADEME, a person buys 40% more clothes today than 15 years ago. It is in this context that slow fashion initiatives emerge.
Slow fashion promotes a more sustainable and responsible fashion, based on the preservation of the environment, the fair pay of workers, the respect of working conditions and the valorization of craftsmanship and know-how.
Meanwhile Boutique acts by highlighting committed creators via its collaborations, and now expands its action to the collection and recovery of TLC.
What is Refashion?
Refashion is an approved eco-organization responsible for the prevention and management of the end of life of textiles on the French market. It supports producers, consumers and reuse players.
Refashion's values
- Responsibility: support the sector towards a circular model
- Circularity: promote reuse and recycling
- Collective: value all players
Refashion's actions
With more than 280,000 tonnes collected, including 58% reused, Refashion acts as a facilitator of the collection and recovery of TLC, by supporting sorting centers, associations and research projects.
What is the role of Meanwhile Boutique?
Meanwhile Boutique is listed as a Refashion collection point and sorting center. You can now drop off your used textiles and shoes in store to give them a second life.
