Industria
New Report Urges U.S. to Prioritize Secondhand Clothing Exports to Solve Domestic Waste Crisis and Boost Global Economic Inclusion
The U.S. generates one of the highest volumes of textile waste globally, with nearly 85% of used clothing ending up in landfills or incinerators each year. As fashion consumption grows, so too does the environmental burden of discarded textiles. However, in Guatemala , what US consumers discard fuels a thriving reuse economy from market stalls to large enterprises employing thousands of employees.
said:
98% of Guatemala's used clothing in 2023 (131 million kilograms) came from the U.S., making it the country's largest supplier. Survey findings suggest that nearly 90% of these imported garments are reused domestically, challenging misconceptions about textile waste dumping and outlining the innovative recycling solutions that exist for non-reusable items.
The study highlights the powerful role of the trade in advancing gender equity. Nearly 60% of secondhand clothing businesses surveyed were women-owned, which is more than double the national average. In a country where over half the population lives in poverty, the trade offers access to much-needed affordable clothing as well as vital income and entrepreneurial pathways.
Secondhand clothing typically arrives in Guatemala in bales that are either "sorted" or "unsorted." Sorted bales have been pre-categorized by item type and quality, while unsorted bales contain a mix of garments in their original collected state. The report finds that, surprisingly, there is high demand for unsorted bales, because they allow local businesses to perform their own sorting – a process that creates local jobs, adds market-specific value, and offers the flexibility to meet diverse consumer preferences.
said Jennifer Wang , founder of Full Cycle Resource and lead author of the report.
Guatemala -based Megapaca, Central America's largest used clothing importer, underscored the importance of the trade: Mario Peña, Co-founder and General Manager, said.
To ensure the continued success of Guatemala's model and the same for other importing countries, the report provides clear recommendations for U.S. policymakers, including:
Jepsen concluded. "
The full report can be downloaded here .
Based in Atlanta, Georgia , Garson & Shaw LLC is a leading global wholesaler and exporter of secondhand clothing, committed to maximizing textile reuse and supporting sustainable economic growth worldwide.
Full Cycle Resource (FCR) is a research-driven company specializing in capturing economic and trade dynamics within the global textile industry to advance transparency, circularity, and sustainability.
Megapaca is the largest importer and retailer of secondhand clothing in Central America , sourcing primarily from the United States . With 145 stores across Guatemala , Honduras , and El Salvador , it stands as the leading force in the region's used clothing market promoting reuse and sustainability.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2738987/Guatemala_markets_Garson_Shaw.jpg
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