Textiles
Each year, 2 million tons of textiles (clothing and fabric) recovered from sources ranging from apparel and home furnishing manufacturers to textile mills and consumers are recycled as new raw materials for the automotive, furniture, mattress, coarse yarn, home furnishings, paper, and other industries. Your old clothes and fabric have new life thanks to the recycled materials industry.
Used clothing collected from households is graded into different categories. Garments in good condition are exported for resale in parts of the world where new clothing is not affordable for many. This trade provides employment not only among the exporting nations, but also in the importing countries.
impact and uses
Recycled Textiles
Recycling textiles saves natural resources, reduces energy costs, and strengthens the economy. Recycled textiles come from many sources, ranging from apparel and home furnishing manufacturers to textile mills and consumers.
Textiles Facts
- The 2 million tons of textiles recycled each year translates to about 12 lbs. of textiles per person in the United States.
- About 45 percent of the textiles recovered are secondhand clothing, which are typically exported.
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The Power of Recycling
Recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the wiring and plumbing in your home, to the coffee maker that gets your day started. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled material.
Our Impact
The recycled materials industry provides a renewable, resilient source of raw materials for manufacturing, and we’re constantly growing and evolving to better impact and serve the world around us.
Economic Impact
Recycled materials are resilient, strengthening the economy. Explore the industry’s economic benefits.
Environment & Sustainability
Recycling protects natural resources through sustainable alternatives, creating less dependence on scarce resources.
Advocacy
ReMA’s advocacy efforts highlight the role of recycled materials in our economy, environment, supply chain, and beyond, at all levels of government.
Safety & Compliance
Safety is ReMA’s number one core value. We offer a variety of industry safety services including in-person and virtual options.
