The high demand in Eastern Europe is a direct result of the Tsunami disaster, and the resulting influx of clothing donations among UK residents. Clothing unsuitable for sending to Tsunami-affected areas – because of local dress codes, for example – was sent to alternate outlets in Eastern Europe.
” There is a very strong possibility that the sorters may be forced to start their own door-to-door collections in order to supplement the meagre supplies. “
– Terry Ralph, TRA
Speaking at the Bureau of International Recycling World Recycling Convention last week, Terry Ralph – president of the UK Textile Recycling Association (TRA) – said that Eastern Europe now cannot get enough British clothing.
He said: “Although Eastern Europe was not previously a market for British goods, the clothing sent over was well received. Since February the market has been inundated with buyers from Eastern Europe.
“Now countries like Poland, Estonia, Romania and even as far a field as Siberia want clothing from the United Kingdom,” he added.
Collections Prices
Such is the demand for British clothing, Eastern European buyers are taking in unsorted clothing from the UK, with prices for unsorted textiles increasing by 10 to 20% since the end of March.
While beneficial for companies selling unsorted goods directly into Eastern Europe, this situation has had a detrimental effect on companies specialising in sorting recycled textiles in this country, Mr Ralph said. He said supplies of UK clothing are now being stretched by the increased demand, and UK sorters are even having to import clothes from other Western European countries for sorting.
Collections
This situation is only adding to the headache caused by the surge of imports of poorer quality textiles from the Far East (see letsrecycle.com story). The shortage of quality recycled textiles could mean traditional sorters will need to start their own collections, the TRA believes.
Mr Ralph explained: “Because of this artificial shortage there is a very strong possibility that the sorters may be forced to start their own door-to-door collections in order to supplement the meagre supplies.”
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Mr Ralph told letsrecycle.com that many of the clothes being sent to Eastern Europe were not appropriate for that market. He said that sorters who sent textiles to Eastern Europe would only send 1-2% of the clothes they take in, which means that of the unsorted material being sent out to Eastern Europe, about 98% is not being used there.
Traditional sorters in the UK would find different markets for this material, but with the unsorted material going out to Eastern Europe, much of the unwanted textiles could well end up in landfill in the Eastern Europe, Mr Ralph suggested.
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