Reformation and Thredup partner for clothing recycling program

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Oct 3, 2018

As part of its new fashion recycling program Upcycle, online resale marketplace Thredup has partnered with cult lifestyle brand Reformation to encourage a sustainable shopping cycle. By participating in the program, customers can exchange used goods for shopping credit at the eco-friendly brand. 

Through Upcycle, customers can print and activate a Thredup kit, ship used apparel and accessories to the resale company, and earn Reformation shopping credit for every piece accepted based on Thredup's quality standards. 

According to Thredup's website, the company accepts an average of 40 percent from each bag. Remaining items are recycled or reused, with an added option to return-to-sender if requested.

Items the resale company said are most likely to be accepted are clean and freshly washed, from a name brand, and undamaged; while items with missing labels, stains, and alterations are most likely to be declined. 

For accepted items, participants will earn five to 90 percent of the listing price in Reformation shopping credit, with higher end pieces and luxury brands earning more credit. 

This partnership is both a money maker and a boon to the eco-friendly business model of both companies. Through Upcyle, Thredup is able to re-sell and extend the lifespan of gently used clothing, while Reformation promotes its sustainable apparel, including a line of ecological lingerie released earlier this year. 

The new recycling program comes at a time when sustainability is becoming an increasing concern for shoppers and retailers alike, with brands like Burberry coming under fire for unethical business practices.

According to statistics provided by Thredup, 26 billion pounds of clothing are sent to landfills each year, and selling or donating a used garment extends its life on average by over two years, reducing its carbon, waste, and water footprint by 73 percent.