Fashion for Good Unveils Data-Driven Tool to Map Global Textile Waste

A new data-driven tool maps global textile waste hotspots.

On Thursday, Fashion for Good launched World of Waste, an online tool that provides an overview of data on waste quantities, types and compositions as well as links to the original studies. The tool was developed in partnership with Reverse Resources, Global Fashion Agenda, Circle Economy and Accelerating Circularity with funding from Laudes Foundation and IDH.

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World of Waste tackles the fragmented knowledge and inconsistent data that hinder the industry’s efforts to effectively manage and leverage textile waste, according to the Netherlands-based sustainable innovation platform.

With information on waste attributes, data collection methodologies, organizations involved, and a lens on upcoming studies for a region, Fashion for Good says the first-of-its-kind tool empowers users of textile waste and stakeholders looking to further the industry’s knowledge base. More data allows companies like recyclers to strategize their feedstock sourcing and help inform governments as they make policies and regulations for sustainable waste management practices.

Pramit Chanda, IDN’s global director-textiles and manufacturing, said World of Waste will serve as a vital tool for industry stakeholders. “By consolidating data, the platform will unlock opportunities to optimize sourcing and enhance the recycling ecosystem, empowering recyclers, brands, and retailers to innovate, streamline operations, and drive efficiency in textile waste management for a more sustainable industry,” Chanda said.

Over time, Fashion for Good said World of Waste’s coverage will be expanded with the inclusion of additional countries and waste types. Additionally, the database will include economic and composition insights and integrate policy information.

“Access to deep data to accurately determine where and how to intervene will be the real unlock in solving the mounting issue of waste generated across fashion’s supply chain,” said Anita Chester, head of fashion, Laudes Foundation. “Ultimately, we know that better informed and more cohesive efforts between actors will lead to increased (financial and non-financial) support to scale innovations, industry proactively investing to transform their supply chains, and policy creating the enablers to support the transition to an inclusive and circular fashion industry.”

World of Waste complements other Fashion of Good’s other circular initiatives. In January, the platform launched Rewear, a project that addresses the challenge of sorting for rewearable textiles and helps brands and retailers better understand the potential of resale. Adidas, Bestseller, Bonprix, C&A, Inditex, Levi Strauss & Co., Otto Group, PVH Corp. and Zalando are among the big brands supporting the initiative.