END-OF-LIFE TEXTILE COLLECTION SYSTEM: EXPLORING DESIGN & PERFORMANCE

Purpose
EU regulation obliges establishing separate collection of end-of-life (EOL) textiles by 2025 to deal with a resource-consuming industry and stimulating circular systems. This paper aims to increase the understanding of how to design a collection system of EOL textiles that facilitates high collection volume and quality.
Design/methodology/approach
Design science using the CIMO logic (context-intervention-mechanisms-outcome) is applied as the study deals with a practical problem and aims to come up with propositions on how to design a collection system. Nine pilots on separate collection of textiles have been conducted and analyzed.
Findings
Five propositions were generated highlighting: different levels of centralization and arrangements might be preferable for the collection of reusable and recyclable fractions; consumer pre-sorting supports subsequent sorting and motivation and knowledge might be supported with incentives and communication; NGOs can play important role in collection of recyclable fraction.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to the reverse logistics literature by evaluating real-life solutions to the first-mile problem of EOL textiles. Further research is needed to understand the impact of other context elements, incentives and communication quality on the more detailed collection design and its balance of cost and consumer convenience.
Practical implications
The study sets guidelines that can be used by municipalities, NGOs and other actors when designing EOL textile collection systems.
Original/value
The results offer insights on the design elements, effectiveness and efficiency of various EOL textile collection systems in various contexts.