The study conducted by Full Cycle Resource sheds light on the positive impact of second-hand clothing exports on both environmental sustainability and economic development. According to the report, the US is a major contributor to global textile waste, with a staggering 85% of used clothing ending up in landfills or incinerators each year. However, the export of used clothing to Guatemala has proven to be a game-changer, diverting textile waste from disposal while creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship in the Central American nation.
Garson & Shaw CEO Lisa Jepsen emphasized the importance of viewing global reuse systems as opportunities rather than waste. She highlighted the need for US policymakers to integrate international reuse into waste and circular economy policies to maximize the environmental, economic, and social benefits of second-hand clothing exports.
The report revealed that Guatemala imported 131 million kilograms of used clothing from the US in 2023, with nearly 90% of these garments being reused within the country. This thriving second-hand clothing industry in Guatemala is also promoting gender equity, with close to 60% of related businesses being women-owned.
In Guatemala, imported second-hand clothing is categorized as either sorted or unsorted bales. Unsorted bales, in particular, play a crucial role in creating jobs and adding value to the local economy by allowing businesses to sort garments based on specific market demands. This process of local sorting not only adds economic value but also ensures that clothing meets the specific needs of local markets.
Central America’s used clothing importer Megapaca co-founder Mario Peña highlighted the importance of unsorted bales in creating thousands of jobs in sorting centers and stores, while catering to diverse markets and income levels.
The report also provides recommendations for US policymakers, including enhancing public education on responsible textile donating and harmonizing collection regulations to improve textile collections. It also urges policymakers to consider global reuse in new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies to prevent trade barriers and preserve the quality of second-hand garments.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the role of the Global North in supporting reuse systems that contribute to sustainability and economic inclusion. By embracing international reuse practices, countries like the US can reduce waste domestically while making a meaningful impact on global sustainability and economic development.
