Sustainability Report 2017

TEXTILE RECYCLING AT TEXAID Each year, TEXAID collects around 75,000 tons of used textiles. The collection is carried out to 90 percent via the 15,000 collection bins. (8,000+ in Germany, 6,000+ in Switzerland, and a few hundred in Austria and Spain). In Switzerland and Germany, a computer-assisted logistics system is used to support the emptying of the used textile bins to keep pollution and energy costs to a minimum. Special software records col- lection and interval data for each individual bin and uses this information to calculate the best possible time for the next collection. As a result, collection drivers receive efficient GPS based daily collection routes and can reach each specific location quickly. This saves time and money and prevents unneces- sary CO² emissions. Collection bins are located on both private and public lots and must obtain all the necessary permits to meet the legal conditions associated with lawful and legitimate container collection. Collection bins are specially designed for the collection of textiles and shoes in all weather conditions to ensure the quality of the collected items is not affected by moisture or dust. TEXAID bins contain logos, pictograms, instructions, and contact information which allow donors to determine who is collecting the textiles, which charity is benefiting from the collection and which kind of textiles are accepted. By pro- viding important instructions, information and contact details, TEXAID is meeting the criteria for trans- parent and high-quality collections. 17