Red Cross tests recycling options for unsold clothing

The Austrian Red Cross is examining how to reuse clothing that remains unsold in its second-hand shops. ORF reported that 20 tonnes of unwanted textiles have been collected for a one-year pilot project with Styrian recycling company Saubermacher.

At the Red Cross Henry shop in Tulln, blue bags are filled with clothing that could not be sold, even after prices were reduced. Project manager Astrid Kepplinger-Past said the organisation wanted to find another use for the garments rather than dispose of them.

The clothing from 37 Henry shops will first be sorted and analysed to determine its material composition, including whether it is made from cotton, polyester or blended fabrics. Particularly high-quality or pure materials can be processed into fibres for new textiles, creating a closed recycling loop.

Most of the textiles, however, will be used in other products. Saubermacher textile development manager Eva-Maria Wurzer said they could be turned into insulation materials for the construction industry or used as insulating material in automotive products. The remainder will be thermally processed, meaning it will be burned.

Only clothing that can no longer be passed on to social organisations or used in charitable relief efforts will be included, said Hannes Buxbaum, director of the Lower Austrian Red Cross. He said the organisation first had to provide clothing to people in need before processing it into other forms.

The Red Cross founded its Henry shops in 2013. They sell second-hand clothing and, at some locations, dishes, books and furniture. Volunteers run the shops, whose proceeds support social projects operated by local Red Cross district offices and emergency assistance.