New Report Advocates for Secondhand Clothing Exports to Address U.S. Waste and Global Inclusion
A groundbreaking new report, commissioned by Garson and Shaw, sheds light on the critical role of secondhand clothing exports from the United States, particularly to Guatemala. This export chain, as detailed for the first time, not only helps tackle the domestic textile waste crisis but also promotes economic inclusion in the importing nation. Conducted by Full Cycle Resource, the study provides an in-depth analysis of how secondhand clothing reduces the overwhelming volume of textile waste generated in the U.S. while simultaneously empowering local economies in Central America.
The United States is notoriously one of the highest producers of textile waste globally, with an alarming percentage of around 85% of used clothing ending up in landfills or being incinerated each year. As the toxic impact of fast fashion escalates, this report emphasizes the pressing need for sustainable solutions. In Guatemala, the discarded garments from U.S. consumers have inadvertently fueled a burgeoning reuse economy. From small market stalls to larger, more established enterprises, these exported clothes are creating significant employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
According to Lisa Jepsen, CEO of Garson and Shaw, this report is pivotal as it reframes the narrative surrounding textile waste. 'It shifts the conversation from waste to opportunity,' she stated. The report underscores that the global reuse systems in place are environmentally beneficial and economically advantageous, outlining the need to integrate these frameworks into U.S. waste policies to promote circular economy practices.
In 2023, an impressive 98% of Guatemala's used clothing—totalling 131 million kilograms—originated from the United States, marking it as the country's predominant supplier. The findings reveal that nearly 90% of these imported garments are reused within Guatemala, a crucial counterpoint to the misconception that these exports contribute to textile waste dumping. The evidence points to innovative recycling solutions that address items deemed non-reusable.
The report also emphasizes the contributions of the secondhand clothing industry in advancing gender equity. It was found that nearly 60% of the surveyed businesses in this sector were owned by women, which is significantly higher than the national average. In a nation where more than half the population lives under the poverty line, the secondhand trade is not just about clothing; it offers a financial lifeline and an essential pathway toward entrepreneurship for many.
Typically, secondhand clothes destined for Guatemala arrive in two distinct forms: sorted and unsorted bales. Sorted bales consist of pre-categorized items while unsorted bales present local businesses with a mixed variety of clothing. Surprisingly, the demand for unsorted bales is robust. They allow local businesses to engage in their own sorting processes, facilitating job creation and enhancing market responsiveness to diverse consumer needs.
Jennifer Wang, the founder of Full Cycle Resource and the report's lead author, noted, 'The process of local sorting adds tremendous economic value and addresses the specific needs of individual markets.' Most importantly, 88% to 92% of the clothing imported is sorted and reused, demonstrating the effectiveness of local sorting initiatives.
Megapaca, the largest used clothing importer in Central America, reaffirmed the importance of unsorted bales in its operations. According to Co-founder and General Manager Mario Peña, these unsorted bales are critical to their business model, underpinning thousands of jobs across their sorting centers and stores while helping to satisfy market demands across various income levels.
The report calls for immediate action from U.S. policymakers to ensure the sustainability of this model, recommending enhanced public education on responsible textile donation practices, improved textile collection methods, and robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies that support the global reuse economy without inadvertently raising costs or diminishing the quality and availability of secondhand garments.
'For true progress, the Global North must acknowledge and support the reuse systems that foster sustainability and economic inclusion on a global scale,' concluded Jepsen.
In summary, this report not only highlights a pressing issue within the international trade of textiles but also presents a forward-thinking model for sustainable economic practices that can pave the way for reducing waste at home while enabling sustainable growth abroad.
The United States is notoriously one of the highest producers of textile waste globally, with an alarming percentage of around 85% of used clothing ending up in landfills or being incinerated each year. As the toxic impact of fast fashion escalates, this report emphasizes the pressing need for sustainable solutions. In Guatemala, the discarded garments from U.S. consumers have inadvertently fueled a burgeoning reuse economy. From small market stalls to larger, more established enterprises, these exported clothes are creating significant employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
According to Lisa Jepsen, CEO of Garson and Shaw, this report is pivotal as it reframes the narrative surrounding textile waste. 'It shifts the conversation from waste to opportunity,' she stated. The report underscores that the global reuse systems in place are environmentally beneficial and economically advantageous, outlining the need to integrate these frameworks into U.S. waste policies to promote circular economy practices.
In 2023, an impressive 98% of Guatemala's used clothing—totalling 131 million kilograms—originated from the United States, marking it as the country's predominant supplier. The findings reveal that nearly 90% of these imported garments are reused within Guatemala, a crucial counterpoint to the misconception that these exports contribute to textile waste dumping. The evidence points to innovative recycling solutions that address items deemed non-reusable.
The report also emphasizes the contributions of the secondhand clothing industry in advancing gender equity. It was found that nearly 60% of the surveyed businesses in this sector were owned by women, which is significantly higher than the national average. In a nation where more than half the population lives under the poverty line, the secondhand trade is not just about clothing; it offers a financial lifeline and an essential pathway toward entrepreneurship for many.
Typically, secondhand clothes destined for Guatemala arrive in two distinct forms: sorted and unsorted bales. Sorted bales consist of pre-categorized items while unsorted bales present local businesses with a mixed variety of clothing. Surprisingly, the demand for unsorted bales is robust. They allow local businesses to engage in their own sorting processes, facilitating job creation and enhancing market responsiveness to diverse consumer needs.
Jennifer Wang, the founder of Full Cycle Resource and the report's lead author, noted, 'The process of local sorting adds tremendous economic value and addresses the specific needs of individual markets.' Most importantly, 88% to 92% of the clothing imported is sorted and reused, demonstrating the effectiveness of local sorting initiatives.
Megapaca, the largest used clothing importer in Central America, reaffirmed the importance of unsorted bales in its operations. According to Co-founder and General Manager Mario Peña, these unsorted bales are critical to their business model, underpinning thousands of jobs across their sorting centers and stores while helping to satisfy market demands across various income levels.
The report calls for immediate action from U.S. policymakers to ensure the sustainability of this model, recommending enhanced public education on responsible textile donation practices, improved textile collection methods, and robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies that support the global reuse economy without inadvertently raising costs or diminishing the quality and availability of secondhand garments.
'For true progress, the Global North must acknowledge and support the reuse systems that foster sustainability and economic inclusion on a global scale,' concluded Jepsen.
In summary, this report not only highlights a pressing issue within the international trade of textiles but also presents a forward-thinking model for sustainable economic practices that can pave the way for reducing waste at home while enabling sustainable growth abroad.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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