Last week, Columbia Sportswear launched a pilot of its ReThreads program – a special initiative designed to simplify post-consumer recycling. For the program, Columbia is installing collection bins at its branded stores where consumers can can drop off apparel and footwear no longer used (from any brand in clean, dry condition) and receive a voucher for 10 percent off a Columbia purchase of $75 or more. Customer can get one coupon per day.
Columbia is partnering with I:CO, a textile recycling solutions company, to find the next best use for the garments. Products that are still wearable will find new homes through the second-hand market. Products that are worse for wear will be reused in their natural form but get another life in applications such as cleaning cloths or toys. Products that cannot be reused will be recycled into raw materials and used for new products such as running tracks, insulation, carpet padding or even fiber for new fabrics.
To start, the collection bins will be installed in about a half dozen Columbia stores, will a full roll-out expected in 2016.
