Core Concepts
Fast fashion brands' take-back schemes may not always lead to sustainable practices, as evidenced by the extensive travels of returned garments, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such initiatives.
Abstract
Fast fashion brands like H&M have implemented take-back schemes to promote sustainability by reusing or recycling returned items. However, a study revealed that many garments traveled thousands of miles before being disposed of improperly, highlighting the challenges in achieving true circularity in the fashion industry.
Stats
Over 155,000 tonnes of textiles received by H&M through its take-back scheme.
A green skirt traveled 24,892 kilometers (15,467 miles) from London to Mali after being returned to an H&M store.
A pair of blue trousers brought to a C&A store in Germany traveled 464 km (288 miles) and were burned for fuel at a cement plant.
A gray hoodie returned to Primark traveled 2,346 km (1,457 miles) within the UK and was dumped in an industrial estate skip.
A navy puffer jacket handed into a Zara store in the UK was shipped to Lithuania, traveling 2,224 km (1,381 miles).
A white zip-up cardigan returned to H&M ended up in a market in Bamako, Mali after traveling 24,892 km (15,467 miles).