The Austrian sports textile manufacturer Löffler has initiated a program called ‘Second Life,’ encouraging customers to return worn clothing for refurbishment or recycling, thereby promoting sustainability in the industry.
The Austrian sports textile manufacturer Löffler has launched an initiative called “Second Life” aimed at promoting a circular economy within the textile industry. This initiative encourages customers to return worn Löffler clothing to the company’s headquarters in Ried im Innkreis, where the items undergo careful inspection and are refurbished for resale, thus extending their lifecycle.
The “Second Life” program was introduced in October 2024 and has already gained significant traction among consumers. Managing Director Otto Leodolter explained, “Customers can drop off used Löffler items in our shop, regardless of their condition and age. As a thank you, they receive a 25 percent discount on the purchase of a new product.” Since the launch, approximately 500 items have been returned, with about 40 percent deemed suitable for refurbishment and subsequently resold.
In addition to refurbishment, Löffler is embracing the concept of upcycling for items that cannot be repaired. Creative projects have emerged, turning old textiles into unique pieces, such as hats made from old t-shirts and headbands crafted from outgrown cycling shorts. This strategy not only minimizes waste but also provides a sustainable option for consumers looking for alternatives to new products.
For textiles that cannot be refurbished or upcycled, Löffler is committed to recycling them through established logistics for materials like polypropylene and polyester. This entails returning fabric scraps to their production through partnerships with yarn and fabric suppliers. The company is actively exploring methods to analyze and recycle individual components such as zippers, sewing threads, and buttons, testing these ideas in collaboration with suppliers at their base in Ried. Items deemed non-reusable are subjected to thermal recovery, facilitating energy generation in Zwentendorf, Austria.
Stefan Gögele, Head of Product Management at Löffler, played a pivotal role in developing the “Second Life” initiative. He remarked on the project’s valuable insights, saying, “The idea arose from the question of how we can further extend the lifespan of our functional clothing alongside our numerous initiatives. Second Life is well received, and our most important insight is: Just start! Not every challenge can be thought through in advance; rather, it’s about gathering experiences and continuously optimizing the process. With every piece that comes back, we learn something new.”
The “Second Life” take-back campaign is currently set to continue indefinitely, with returns only accepted at the Löffler shop in Ried im Innkreis during regular operating hours. The initiative aligns with a growing consumer preference for sustainable purchasing decisions and underscores Löffler’s commitment to environmental responsibility within the sports textile sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
