Here's how it works
Once every six months, you can send a package of old erlich items back to us free of charge. Simply send an email to fraguns@erlich-textil.com to request your return label. As a thank you, you'll receive a 10% voucher for your next order. In cooperation with I:Collect (SOEX), we ensure that your textiles are reused or recycled – instead of ending up in landfill.
In a 6-month pilot project, we tested whether you would accept the offer. Result: 23 returns and 62 kg of old textiles saved from incineration. Based on your positive feedback, we have been permanently continuing our cooperation with SOEX/I:Collect since February 2023. The textiles are inspected at a sorting plant in Saxony-Anhalt and either resold as second-hand items or recycled.
Reuse: SOEX sells wearable used clothing as second-hand goods – ecologically the most sensible solution, as resources for a recycling process are saved.
Recycling: Non-wearable textiles are either recycled in a closed loop into new garments or in an open loop for other industries such as automotive or construction.
Common Questions about the Take-Back System
What is the take-back system?
Through our take-back system, you can return worn erlich textiles to us so they can be recycled or reused. We want to prevent old textiles from ending up in general waste and instead offer circular solutions.
How can I return my clothes?
Once every six months, you can send a package to us free of charge. Simply send an email to fraguns@erlich-textil.com and request a return label. Please wash the items beforehand. As a thank you, you will receive a 10% discount on your next order. This offer is only valid for erlich textil products.
Which clothes are accepted?
All erlich parts that are not heavily torn, stained, or glued. However, you can also give clothes in good condition to friends or donate them – this saves transport routes and resources.
Who is your recycling partner?
We work with I:Collect (SOEX GROUP). The collected textiles go to a sorting plant in Saxony-Anhalt, where they are sorted by quality and either resold as second-hand goods or recycled. I:CO promotes the development of innovative recycling processes with international research institutes.
What's your stance on the criticism of used clothing collections?
Used clothing export is a controversial topic. Our position: Reuse is the most sustainable solution; the amount of used textiles in this country exceeds demand, and according to I:CO, only 1% of collected underwear is resold – the rest goes into recycling. Collection companies finance themselves through resale because textile recycling alone is not yet profitable. Nevertheless: Before every purchase, consider whether you really need it, and care for your items so they last as long as possible.
