A new international campaign highlights the transformative role of the secondhand clothing sector in promoting sustainability, economic growth, and social equality.

Threads of Change, an initiative by Humana People to People launched earlier this year, calls for support for a sector critical in reducing the environmental impact of overproduction. This sector creates green jobs and significantly contributes to the European Union’s GDP while minimizing the use of finite natural resources.

What are the Goals of the Campaign?

The campaign appeals to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public to recognize and support the role of the secondhand clothing industry. Its objectives include:

  • Promoting the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.
  • Sharing best practices and participating in joint initiatives.
  • Advocating for legislative and financial support to enhance the sector’s collection, sorting, and reuse capacities for sustainable development.

Threads of Change is an initiative by Humana, a global network of 29 organizations committed to sustainable practices in the circular economy. It is inspired by the Oxford Economics report “The Socioeconomic Impact of Secondhand Clothing in Africa and EU27+”, published in October 2024, which underscores the sector’s social and economic significance.

How Can You Get Involved and Partner with the Campaign?

There are several ways to participate:

  • Share success stories or innovative approaches from your organization to be featured in the campaign.
  • Collaborate on webinars, discussions, or panels focusing on circular textiles and sustainable consumption.
  • Distribute the campaign’s content via your networks, social media platforms, and events.
  • Publicly support the campaign’s goals to demonstrate your commitment to the circular economy.

Why Now?

The Threads of Change campaign comes at a pivotal moment, with new EU textile regulations taking effect. As of January 2025, mandatory separate collection of textile waste under the Waste Framework Directive has begun, providing an opportunity for the secondhand clothing sector to play a central role in waste reduction and fostering the circular economy.

Furthermore, upcoming legislative initiatives, such as the revision of Directive (EU) 2018/851 on waste, the Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, and the Sustainable Product Policy, impose stricter sustainability and transparency requirements for the textile industry.

Now is the time to support and recognize the contributions of the secondhand sector to the circular economy. Prompt actions can engage policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders during this transformative period.

Why Is the Secondhand Clothing Sector Important for the Circular Economy?

By extending the lifespan of clothing, this sector reduces textile waste, carbon emissions, and provides affordable apparel. It also creates green jobs and supports fair trade between the Global North and South. This business strikes a balance between economic growth and resource conservation, aligning with the EU’s sustainability goals.

For more information, visit the campaign’s dedicated page. Here you’ll find detailed resources, key messages from the “Socioeconomic Impact of Secondhand Clothing in Africa and EU27+” report, and participation opportunities.

Which EU Policies Could Impact the Secondhand Sector?

Key policy decisions include:

  • Waste Framework Directive: Trilateral negotiations concluding in Q1 2025 will shape the future of textile waste management.
  • Waste Shipment Regulation: Could limit exports of used textiles to non-OECD countries unless clearly distinguished from waste.

Sound legislative decisions will ensure the sector continues to play a key role in sustainable development, create green jobs, and provide access to affordable, quality clothing.