Africa Collect Textiles

Long description

Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) is a social enterprise in the business of used textiles collection and recycling. ACT rolls out a new model for;

1. collecting and redistributing used clothing in order to provide underprivileged communities with decent outfits;
2. building the foundation for a circular textile and fashion industry, by preparing large quantities of sorted materials, suitable for repurposing and recycling;
3. designing and developing products from textile waste

By collecting used textiles clean and dry, carefully sorting them, and determining and designing the best possible application for each and every item, ACT reduces pollution caused by dumping and burning, creates jobs, provides fitting outfits to vulnerable groups, and lots more.

Currently, ACT has 25 convenient drop-off points for used textiles in the city of Nairobi. The goal for 2021 is to grow to 50 drop-off points. ACT offers a pick-up service for bulky items (such as mattresses and curtains) and accepts corporate workwear and uniforms.

After collecting and sorting, wearable items are re-distributed, denim is recycled into shoes, patchworks, facemasks, and carpets. Wool and acrylic are recycled into blankets and park ranger uniforms into school bags.

ACT’s goal is to save more and more used textiles from landfills or from being burned in the open air. Simultaneously we are developing our sorting and recycling processes. Through collaborations with local designers, producers, and artisans we push the textile/fashion industry towards circularity.

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