Pieces of discarded clothing that end up in landfills can sit there for hundreds of years but an increasing number of start-ups like Big Favorite want consumers to send products back at the end of a product's usable life. The circular underwear brand takes back styles like bikini briefs or boxers, so that they can be cleaned and sanitized so that the yarn can be recycled into new products.
To divert usable materials from the landfill, the brand lets customers scan a QR code to create a free shipping label. After washing their used underwear, customers can send it back to the company to help tackle the massive problem of apparel waste, as the average American throws out 81 pounds of clothing annually.
Circular Underwear Start-Ups
Big Favorite Takes Back Worn-Out Underwear to Recycle the Yarn
Trend Themes
1. Circular Fashion - Opportunity for start-ups to create circular business models by taking back products for recycling and creating new ones.
2. Sustainable Apparel - The rise of start-ups focusing on sustainable clothing solutions, such as recycling yarn from worn-out underwear.
3. Consumer Participation - Encouraging consumers to actively participate in the circular economy by sending back used products for recycling.
Industry Implications
1. Apparel Recycling - Industry can explore opportunities to collect and recycle worn-out clothing, creating a sustainable supply chain.
2. Circular Economy - Companies can tap into the growing demand for circular business models, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
3. Eco-friendly Manufacturing - Manufacturers can adopt processes that incorporate recycled materials, contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.