SilverGuard is introducing a second life collection as part of our ongoing approach to addressing textile sustainability by diverting perfectly functional products away from landfill
Making Textiles More Sustainable
Currently more than 15kg of textile waste is generated per person in Europei, with the highest source of textile waste coming from discarded clothes and home textiles. The generation of textile waste is poses environmental problems as incineration and landfilling are the primary end destinations.
Perhaps the biggest driver for this burgeoning problem with textile waste is what is known as ‘fast fashion’.
Fast fashion refers to the fashion industry business model of mass-producing trendy clothing at a low cost. Fast fashion is typically associated with negative environmental practices, exploitative labour practices and negative consumer impact – none of which encourage a sustainable fashion industry.ii
While SilverGuard products are not part of this cycle of fast fashion, we still recognise that as a textile manufacturer addressing sustainability in the textile industry, in particular textile waste is an issue that we can be part of the solution to.
We are tackling the issue of how to make textiles more sustainable in a number of ways:
- Sourcing more environmentally fibres: we are always looking to improve the sourcing of fibres for our products by using sustainably grown fibres or recycled materials.
- Extension of Product Lifetimes: the IONIC+* silver thread technology that is incorporated into all our products gives both antimicrobial and anti-odour properties. These properties work to increase the lifespan of the products as well as fighting unwanted odours.
But the ultimate goal for any manufacturer and retailer is to not waste anything and employ a zero waste strategy. With this in mind, we have introduced a Second Life Collection. We believe that perfectly functional SilverGuard products should not be thrown away and we have created a channel in which these products can be sold.
SilverGuard’s Second Life Collection
Our Second Life Collection programme are for SilverGuard products that may not be perfect but are perfectly functional. Instead of being destined for landfill or incineration, these pieces are given a second chance to be sold and used.
SilverGuard products which fall under our Second Life Collection include but are not limited to model or display samples, end of lines, or products which haven’t met our high quality standards but still deserve a second life.
These products will be available to purchase through our website at www.silver-guard.co.uk/second-life and at our pop-up shop in Mudchute Farm, London, E14.
[i] McKinsey, July 2022, www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/scaling-textile-recycling-in-europe-turning-waste-into-value
[ii] www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-fast-fashion
* IONIC+, formerly known as X-Static
For more information, please contact us at:
SilverGuard Ltd
t: 0207 538 2678
SilverGuard is a UK-based company which produces an antimicrobial textile range using Noble Biomaterials renowned IONIC+ antimicrobial silver thread technology. Our current consumer product range includes bed linens, towels, face coverings, aprons and tea towels. New products for 2022 included wash bags, baby & children’s clothing and more.
