Textile recyclers have warned that parts of the industry could collapse as supply reduces domestically and demand from across the world falls. This comes as two recycling trade bodies release a joint statement expressing concern about the restrictions imposed by some countries to stop the import of second hand clothing on the presumption that material may be contaminated with the coronavirus.
In the UK, a number of textile recyclers closed once the lockdown measures were introduced. Charity shops, which are major suppliers of used textiles, also closed. While some trade is continuing from some textile banks, there is disruption with collectors and charities asking the public not to use banks. There are also numerous reports of the public still placing material at or alongside the banks, despite notices saying they are not in use.
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the European recycling association,Euric, issued a statement yesterday (20 April) warning of problems in the industry. The two bodies said that while some scientists have said the virus can live for up to three days on various textiles, it is unlikely to impact many workers. “While we entirely understand that governments want to protect their workers , it is unlikely that they can get infected by handling these materials and goods in trade due to the low environmental stability of COVID-19[1] and the average journey time of sea freight from Europe to end markets in Africa or Asia,” the statement said.
Source: Let’s Recycle
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