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!

First Option 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.

Second Option 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.

Third Option 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.

Through upcycling, you not only save important resources but also inspire others to explore creative solutions for old textiles.

Information Composting and Cradle to Cradle

More and more companies are advertising "compostable" or "Cradle to Cradle®" certified products. But what does that really mean?

Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) certified products consist exclusively of harmless ingredients and can be returned to a biological (compostable) or technical (recyclable) cycle at the end of their life cycle.

We are also trying to approach this concept: Some of our materials, such as TENCEL™ Modal and our organic cotton (kbA), are already compostable. Our goal is to increasingly rely on such components to realize a complete C2C approach.

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 – this way, fewer resources are lost.

Innovative Solution 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!

Last Option 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.