Zalando launches repair and clothing waste disposal platform

In order to reduce the amount of clothes thrown into the trash, Zalando has partnered with a retail app to launch an online platform that can repair clothes and shoes. The service is currently launched in Berlin and Düsseldorf, and more markets will follow in the future.

Zalando hopes to contribute to the circular economy within the fashion industry, turning the current linear chain of manufacture, use and disposal into a circular movement, replacing direct disposal with reuse. Zalando has set a goal of extending the life of at least 50 million garments by 2023.

However, to achieve this goal every step of the cycle must be taken into account: clothes need to be designed differently, waste must be better recycled and the production chain must be more transparent. This is why Zalando is now also investing in various new business models and sustainable innovations.

During the design phase, the fashion retailer aims to define circular product standards for the entire industry. In addition, it wants to expand the circular offer in its own brand ZIGN , with the special collection "redeZIGN for circularity" which will be expanded from five to fifty pieces. Each product has an information page where customers can find out more about origin, maintenance and how to exchange items at Zalando.

In the use phase, a pilot project started on October 11 to provide maintenance and repair services. Zalando has partnered with the retail app Save Your Wardrobe to provide customers with an online platform where they can repair clothes and shoes. Consumers can go to selected local workshops and tailors for this, but the collection and return of repaired items are handled by Zalando's own logistics services .  

At the same time, Zalando continues to focus on second-hand. Since the launch of the second-hand section Pre-owned in September 2020, related topic posts have increased from 20,000 to more than 200,000 . Zalando 's sustainable development manager said, "According to our report, more than 60% of consumers believe that it is important for their clothes to have a second life and not be thrown into landfills . "

In addition, Zalando is investing in recycling technology in order to achieve a circular economy . According to the platform, only 1% of clothing is currently recycled , and the subsequent open source platform for textile waste management should change this situation .

As a major market platform in Europe, Zalando has been developing steadily in recent years, and related sellers can also use it as a reference for their layout.

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