The textile recycling firm is preparing to launch its garment collection service in New Zealand, with its B2B offer launching on December 1 and its customer-facing solution to launch early in 2022.
The Upparel Company takes unwanted clothing items and textiles from consumers and businesses across Australia. Of the items received, 65 per cent are fit-to-wear and are passed on to charities that help to clothe the needy, the remaining 35 per cent is assessed for upcycling into new items, or is recycled into new materials.
The move into New Zealand was driven by the business’ partners in Australia needing the service in New Zealand as well.
Michael Elias, Founder, said: “We want to ensure that we’re doing the right thing, globally. So our partners in New Zealand have already committed their dormant, unwanted stock and places like the Salvation Army have committed to give what they don’t deem sellable. The interest and demand is there, and the need for solutions is absolutely there.”
Moving forward, retailers using Upparel to donate unwanted textiles will be able to have a dedicated collection bit put in their stores for staff to utilise. This initiative will divert unwanted returns, dead and faulty stock or even customer donations away from the landfill.
