Here's how it works
Once every six months, you can send us a parcel of old erlich items free of charge. Simply email us at fraguns@erlich-textil.com and request your return label. As a thank you, you will receive a 10 % voucher for your next order. In cooperation with I:Collect (SOEX), we make sure that your textiles are reused or recycled instead of ending up in the bin.
In a 6-month pilot project, we tested whether you would take up the offer. Result: 23 returns and 62 kg of used textiles saved from incineration. Thanks to your positive feedback, we have continued the cooperation with SOEX/I:Collect on a permanent basis since February 2023. The textiles are inspected at a sorting plant in Saxony-Anhalt and either resold as second-hand goods or recycled.
Reuse: SOEX sells wearable used clothing as second-hand goods. No recycling process is needed for this.
Recycling: according to SOEX, textiles that can no longer be worn are either made into new garments or processed for other industries such as automotive or construction.
Common Questions about the Take-Back System
What is the take-back system?
With our take-back system, you can return worn erlich textiles to us so that they can be recycled or reused. We want to avoid used textiles ending up in general waste.
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 items that are not badly torn, soiled or stuck together. But you can also give clothing in good condition to friends or donate it, which saves transport.
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. According to I:CO, it supports the development of new recycling processes together with international research institutes.
What's your stance on the criticism of used clothing collections?
Exporting used clothing is a controversial topic. Our position: reuse is the route we prefer. The volume of used textiles exceeds demand here, and according to I:CO only 1 % of collected underwear is resold; the rest goes to recycling. Collection companies finance themselves through resale, because textile recycling on its own is not yet profitable. Even so: before every purchase, think about whether you really need it, and care for your items according to the instructions on the label.
