The Seamless RE:THINK Program documents and amplifies circularity initiatives that are challenging business-as-usual, and we’re excited to announce the very first initiative; an innovative partnership between RCYCL, Salvos Stores and THE ICONIC.
RCYCL, a leading provider of sustainable clothing recycling solutions has joined forces with pre-loved goods retailer Salvos Stores and leading online clothing retailer THE ICONIC, to rethink the way consumers dispose of clothing they no longer need, including clothing which is unwearable.
How it works
While purchasing new items online from THE ICONIC, customers have the opportunity to buy a RCYCL bag for clothes which are no longer wearable or a REWEAR bag for their unwanted but wearable clothes, or a bundle which includes both bags. The bags are easily added to the shopping cart and the cost of the bag pays for shipping and processing items for donation or recycling.
Once the order is placed, the customer receives their RCYCL and REWEAR bags like any other product. They fill them with their pre-sorted clothes and scan the QR code on the bag which directs them to the nearest drop off location where they hand over the bag for no additional fee. It’s simple, accessible and convenient.
The benefits
Thanks to this initiative from RCYCL, Salvos Stores and THE ICONIC, customers have an accessible alternative to throwing their unwearable clothing in the bin where it will end up in landfill.
And for wearable clothes, customers are encouraged to ask themselves, “Would I give this item to a friend?” If the answer is yes, clothing is placed in a REWEAR bag and given to Salvos Stores, where it will be sold, raising money to help people in need through the community programs and services of The Salvation Army.
Data gathered during the communication, online purchase and satchel return activities will also help to build a better understanding of the most effective ways to stimulate consumer interest and utilisation of paid recycling and donation services.
It's a first of its kind in the Australian online retail space as it make it easy for customers to take personal action at a time and a place that suits them, to address our national clothing waste challenge.
Why we love it
Seamless RE:THINK initiatives are proving that just because that’s how we’ve always done it, doesn’t mean it has to be that way. This initiative:
- Showcases what’s possible when organisations operating across the clothing sector join forces to collaborate and do better
- Encourages the ever increasing volume of online consumers to think and behave differently when it comes to their clothes
- Applies innovative thinking to make it easy for consumers to act by seamlessly integrating recycling and reuse activities into their everyday experience
About the Seamless RE:THINK Program
The Seamless RE:THINK Program documents and amplifies circularity initiatives that are already underway – from circular design projects and clothing rental and reuse schemes, through to textile recycling initiatives and clothing care guides to help customers enjoy their clothing for longer. Seamless members and supporters are welcome to apply. Read more about the program and the eligibility criteria, and register your initiative by completing the registration form.
