In 2024, UFF reported that while Uusimaa leads in total donations, its per capita contributions lag behind the national average.
In 2024, the non-profit textile collector, UFF, reported a consistent national clothing donation rate in Finland, averaging one million kilos per month. Uusimaa, although leading in total clothing donations with nearly 2.4 million kilos, has its residents trailing the national per capita average.
The total clothing donations to UFF reached approximately 12 million kilos throughout Finland, with specific municipalities in Uusimaa, such as Hanko, Myrskylä, Karkkila, and Lohja, emerging as the most proactive recyclers. Hanko ranked highest in the region, with an impressive average of 4.3 kilos of clothing donated per resident. Following closely were Myrskylä at 3.8 kilos per resident, Karkkila at 3.6, and Lohja at 3.2. However, the overall average for Uusimaa stood at only 1.4 kilos per person, which is below the national average of 2.2 kilos.
The organization’s clothing collection network spans 280 municipalities across the nation, showcasing a significant variation in donation volumes. Helsinki led the charge with the highest collection at 608,000 kilos, followed by Espoo at 357,000 kilos, and Vantaa. Notably, Espoo experienced the most substantial growth in donations, displaying a remarkable 26% increase from the previous year.
UFF’s Head of Clothing Collection, Jari Töyrynen, expressed optimism regarding these results. Speaking to the Helsinki Times, he stated, “It’s great that clothes no longer needed by their owners are being given a second life. Every reused garment helps conserve natural resources.” He emphasized the importance of donating clothing suitable for direct reuse, advocating for public awareness on proper donation practices. “It’s always best for the environment if clothing is reused in its original form. Too many usable garments still end up in waste or fibre recycling,” he added.
In the broader context of Finland’s national rankings, Polvijärvi emerged as the leader in per capita donations, boasting an impressive figure of 8.7 kilos per resident, followed by Imatra with 6.4 kilos, Multia at 6.3, Ylivieska at 5.3, and Nivala at 5.2. Regionally, South Karelia stood out with the highest donation rate per capita at an average of 4.0 kilos. In contrast, Uusimaa ranked last among Finland’s 18 regions for per capita donations.
The proceeds from UFF’s clothing reuse initiatives are utilized to support various climate initiatives within Finland, as well as funding over 30 developmental projects in Africa and Asia.
Source: Noah Wire Services
