ECS Textiles is focused on promoting recycling and operating in a greener way. We do this by continually investing to ensure we streamline, reduce plastic and collect stock in a more economical way – this is at the heart of everything we do.
We sustainably reduce waste generation by promoting reuse and recycle over disposal. Ensuring we divert clothing, shoes, handbags, belts and cosmetics away from landfill protects our environment, provides employment for our local community and raises vital funds for outstanding charities.
70% of the entire global population wears reused clothing. Here at ECS Textiles we aim to push that number to 85%.
Providing educational material to nurseries, schools and colleges we aim to educate the generation of tomorrow on the importance of recycling and the many benefits it can bring.
More than 300,000 tons of used clothing go to landfill in the UK every year, and globally an estimated 92 million tons of textiles waste is created each year, the equivalent to a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on landfill sites every second. Textile that do not end up in landfill are burned, this releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.
Due to fast changing fashion and customer needs and tastes, most of a garment’s lifespan is artificially shortened. Industry figures show that some clothing may last 2-10 years, suits and coats lifespan is about 4-6 years, but most other clothing such as T-Shirts, underwear last only 1-2 years.
The main reason most discarded clothing cannot be recycled is the material they are made from. The fabrics we drape over our bodies are complex combinations of fibers, fixtures and accessories. They are made from problematic blends of natural yarns, man-made filaments, plastics and metals.
For example, a 100% cotton T-shirt contains many other components such as labels and sewing threads which are usually made from another material like polyester. Similarly, a typical pair of jeans are made from cotton yarn which is generally blended with elastane, and other components such as zips and buttons and polyester sewing thread and dyed using a range of dyes.
This makes them hard to separate into different fibers and material type so they can be effectively recycled. However, we can easily upcycle them! This means, your unwanted clothing can be reused by others.
Working together, we can reduce the numbers of textiles ending up in landfill or being burnt and increase the percentage of reused clothing. Our simple scheme requires minimum effort to help our environment and supporting the charity of your choice.
