The way we make, use and throwaway products in the textiles industry is unsustainable. Whether it is clothes, bags or shoes, fast fashion is fuelling a major problem. Back in 2019, UK Parliament’s research found that textile production contributes more to climate change than international aviation and shipping combined. We are creating more and more chemical and plastic pollution by purchasing products that aren’t designed to last, don’t prioritise environmental sustainability and aren’t safely disposed at the end of life. This is due a traditional following of a linear approach of product life. We as a society take the materials we need, making what we need and mass amounts of waste are produced as a result. In contrast to this, we are trying to introduce a ‘circular economy’. This essentially is an economic development to benefit society, businesses and the environment. Like the name itself, it is a regenerative by design and takes production processes into consideration. It highlights how to reuse, repair, and recycle items, thus increasing sustainable manufacturing and consumption.
The UK Parliament’s research highlighted that around 300,000 tonnes of textile waste ends up in household black bins every year, sent to landfill or incinerators. In response, start-ups are emerging that do prioritise environmental sustainability, taking positive actions to counter the damage that fast fashion is causing to our planet.
At OneNine5 we design travel goods using premium and durable materials that are built to last. Yet we are also realistic and acknowledge that most products will be disposed of eventually. For that reason, we think it’s essential the producer should take responsibility for the disposal of their products at the end of life too. Here are three ways you can safely dispose of your well used (and hopefully well loved) OneNine5 travel goods:
1. Our ‘Return to Recycle’ scheme
Our Recycle scheme is something we’re really pround of, to ensure that the materials from your well used travel goods will be reused or recycled. We partner with Terracycle to dispose of your well-used OneNine5 products at the end of life. Terracycle is an innovative recycling company and partner with a range of well established companies and start-ups. They are able to divert millions of pounds of waste away from landfills and incinerators each month and we work with them to recycle your old wash bags. If the time has come for you to upgrade one of our well-used bags or pouches, follow the steps below:
-
Fill out this form and arrange for a free-post returns via the Royal Mail website.
-
Place the returns note and OneNine5 product(s) into a sealed bag/ box.
-
Attach the pre paid label to your parcel and drop off at your local Post Office.
-
To say thanks, we'll send you an email with a 15% discount code off your next purchase at OneNine5.com …it’s a win-win.
2. ReGAIN App
Head over to the ‘ReGAIN App’ for another way to safely dispose of all fashion and textiles items, including your well used OneNine5 travel goods. ReGAIN send off donations to be renewed, upcycled or recycled into new sustainable products and they offer free postage for UK customers. Simply download the ‘ReGAIN app’ on the Apple Store or Google Play, package up your old clothes, shoes and OneNine5 wash bag. Then choose your nearest drop off point via the app and to say thanks, ReGAIN will give you a code with £10 off your next OneNine5 wash bag!
3. Textile recycle bin
Alternatively, you can find your nearest textile recycle bin to ensure that our Eco-Conscious Wash Bags and Eco Essentials Pouches are properly disposed off. Find your nearest recycling bank using Recycle Now’s online finder. Simply input your postcode or use your current location to get started.
Recycle Now are a national recycling campaign for England, supported and funded by Government, they help us recycle more things and more often. With clothing and textiles, Recycle Now take those in good condition and donate or sell them for re-use to help minimise the overall impact that clothing has on the environment. Items that aren’t suitable to be passed onto someone else can be recycled and made into new items, such as padding for chairs and car seats, cleaning cloths and industrial blankets.
We want to create the best products that prioritise environmental sustainability. We want to design stylish, sleek and functionality travel goods, whilst considering our environmental impact. It is great being eco-conscious throughout the production process but what about after? We can do our part by offering and encouraging the safe disposal of products we produce. We aim to spark a positive change in the textiles industry because well designed products shouldn’t cost the Earth! You have probably heard the saying ‘buy less, buy well’ and it is a mantra we’re right behind. Purchasing good quality items that last will prevent the need to repurchase and as a result, less waste means less harm to our environment.
