The Hamburg outdoor label Elkline and the textile service provider WKS want to promote the circular economy in the clothing industry with a joint project. Both companies had “signed a declaration of intent for a textile recycling and repair competence center in Wilsum”, the partners announced on Wednesday in a joint press release. The aim of the initiative is to “enable a second life for used clothing in an economical and sustainable manner – and that on the basis of certified testing and processing”.
Michael Hofmann, Managing Director of WKS Textilveredlungs-GmbH, explained the project: “We are pleased to be able to offer our textile expertise in a holistic solution together with the innovative fashion label Elkline,” he explains in a statement. “We will certify the inspection and, if necessary, repair with our WKS seal of approval on each approved piece of clothing. This means that second-hand users can also clearly see that they are purchasing a piece of clothing that has been independently tested for safety and reliability.”
Both companies are already working together on “Second Life”, Elkline’s resale program. As part of this, customers can send back worn products, which are then checked, cleaned and, if necessary, repaired at the WKS location in Wilsum before they are offered for sale again on the “Second Life by Elkline” platform. “People interested in used products benefit from clothing that is as sustainable as it is high-quality at lower prices,” explained Bettina Bothe, Head of Brand at Elkline GmbH, in a statement.