In the name of sustainability, Japanese fashion company Uniqlo is set to launch Re.Uniqlo, their very own recycled clothing program.
The new initiative will involve producing and selling items made using recycled clothes that have been collected from customers, making the program not only sustainable but fully circular. Uniqlo has stated that the intention behind Re.Uniqlo is to benefit both the environment and local communities by keeping perfectly good resources out of landfills.
Re.Uniqlo is set to launch in Japan on November 2, 2020. The initial launch will be centred on the brand’s iconic down jackets, however, this time they will look a little different. This is because Uniqlo has taken over 620,000 recycled down jackets (gathered across Japan since September 2019), and turned them into new pieces of clothing through their Re.Uniqlo recycling program.
In addition to collecting old, used garments and transforming them into wearable items, another key aspect of Re.Uniqlo is their partnership with non-governmental organizations and NGOs. Uniqlo is collaborating with several NGOs around the world to distribute this upcycled clothing to refugees, disaster victims, and those in need.
Wondering how the process works? According to Re.Uniqlo’s website, the first step is to collect the used Uniqlo clothing items. This is done easily thanks to the Re.Uniqlo donation boxes that will be placed at numerous store locations.
The second step involves sorting through the clothing, distinguishing between the items that can be reused and those that better suit another purpose, also through recycling. Next, it’s time to reuse the clothing. Clothes are organized into 18 different categories, ranging from age, size, and gender to season, climate, culture, and religion.
Then, through their unique regeneration technology, Uniqlo recycles the down and feathers into new clothing. Items made of other materials are recycled as an alternative fuel to reduce carbon emissions. The fourth and final step is called global assistance and involves the Uniqlo team delivering clothing to refugees and displaced persons across the globe.
Anyone can donate to Uniqlo’s Re.Uniqlo initiative. The brand is working to stock all of their stores around the world with donation boxes. Once this is complete, all Uniqlo items will be accepted for recycling. All they ask is that you wash your clothing prior to dropping it off and ensure that none of your personal items remain in any pockets. There is no fee to participate in the Re.Uniqlo program, it’s as easy as dropping a coat in a bin.
