Sustainability doesn't end with the purchase of a product. Learn what you can do with your old erlich items: Share, Donate, Reuse, Recycle. From repurposing to donations to a recycling system.
At erlich textil, we are aware: Sustainability does not end with the production of an item. It also includes the longest possible use phase and proper disposal or reuse at the end of its life cycle.
We'll show you the best ways to handle your old erlich products and contribute to real change: Share, Donate, Reuse, Recycle!
Share: Pass on to friends
Did you order an erlich product in the wrong size or simply don't wear it as often anymore? Sharing is caring!
Give it to friends or family members who you know would be happy to receive it. Or sell your items at flea markets or on suitable online platforms.
We also don't discard models with small flaws. Instead, they end up at a discount in our "with quirks and edges" outlet, so that someone else can still enjoy them.
Donate: Make in-kind donations
Do you no longer have any use for your erlich products, even though they are still in good condition? Donate them to a charity of your choice.
Wash and securely package your items before donating them. Check beforehand which items are actually needed and whether they should be new or used. Here are a few examples of organizations that accept in-kind donations:
- Flüchtlingshilfe Bonn e.V.
- Straßenwächter e.V.
- Blau-Gelbes Kreuz
- EMMAUS Community in Cologne
The website "Wohin damit?" helps you find social institutions near you.
Reuse: Upcycling Projects
Do your erlich products show signs of wear and tear, meaning you can no longer use them as clothing? Use them for your own upcycling project!
A lot can still be made from small amounts of fabric: Scrunchies, reusable make-up remover pads, or small cosmetic bags, your creativity is key! Upcycle your old erlich products and share them on Instagram with the hashtag #erlichgoescircular.
Reward: For your creativity, you'll receive a 15% discount code on your next order. That's sustainability that pays off!
Through upcycling, you not only save important resources but also inspire others to explore creative solutions for old textiles.
Composting and circular design
More and more companies advertise "compostable" or "fully circular" products. But what does that actually mean?
The idea behind it: products made exclusively from harmless ingredients that can be returned to a biological (compostable) or technical (recyclable) cycle at the end of their life cycle.
Some fibres, such as TENCEL™ Modal and organic cotton (kbA), are compostable in principle. In practice, blends (for example with elastane) usually are not, which is why we focus on wearing and recycling our pieces for as long as possible.
But is composting the best solution? Not entirely. Compostable textiles often end up in industrial composting facilities and require many resources to be newly produced. Therefore, we see a great advantage in continuing to use or recycle old textiles for as long as possible, so that fewer resources are lost.
Recycle: Our Take-Back System
This is our latest innovation for true circular economy: You can return your worn erlich favorite pieces to us after use, so they can be reused or recycled into new, high-quality products.
For this, we collaborate with a selected textile recycler. This makes true resource conservation possible!
The challenge: Fiber blends such as cotton + elastane are difficult to separate. Therefore, we want to focus more on monomaterials to guarantee higher recycling potential.
Clothing Collection Bins: The Last Resort
If your erlich textiles are not suitable for any of the above options, you can, as a last resort, throw them into a clothing collection bin. Your clothes will then ideally go to a collection or recycling company that determines the best possible further use through sorting.
Please note: There are also illegal bins from unscrupulous clothing collectors. You can recognize trustworthy collection points by the DZI donation seal or the FAIRwertung logo.
What really happens to old clothes? In Germany, so many textiles are discarded annually that they exceed the amount of clothing needed for humanitarian purposes. A large part is reused, which saves resources compared to recycling, but many old clothes also end up in other countries outside Europe, which is controversially discussed.
Our tip: Deliberately donate, share, or upcycle your old erlich products before disposing of them in a clothing collection bin. If you do: Wash the clothes beforehand and pack them in a tear- and weather-proof manner.
Sustainability from the Start
True sustainability begins with conscious purchasing decisions, and with products that last as long as possible. At erlich textil, we design timeless pieces from high-quality, sustainable materials. This way, your favorite items have a long lifespan before end-of-life options become necessary.
Discover Our Collection · Take-Back System
Sustainability is not just a beginning. It's a circular economy.
