According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans toss out nearly 10.2 million tons of clothing each year. The average American throw out up to 80 pounds (36.29 kg) of garment waste every year. This equals to nearly 200 T-shirts! A large percentage of this waste, 86% ends up in landfills. The remaining 14% or 1 out of 7 garments will be recycled and donated to for-profit companies and charities. Recycling Clothes methods make used clothes considered trivial gain a second life!
What do wholesale clothing brokers do?
Wholesale used clothing in California brokers play an important role in recycling clothes. Used garment brokers have diverse skills, knowledge, and expertise in purchasing and selling bulk used clothing. Bulk clothing refers to items such as clothing for men, women, and children, as well as shoes, belts, purses, and linens.
Used garment brokers must also have in-depth information about vintage and retro trends. They must also develop partnerships with people and companies in the retail and commercial companies involved in the used clothing supply chain.
How is used clothing sourced?
To keep garments out of landfills, second-hand clothing exporters operate donation drop boxes where individuals can conveniently place their gently used shoes and clothing. These boxes are secured and waterproof. Once the donation is placed into the receptacle, it will remain there until it is scheduled for pick-up and transportation. Once the donation box is collected, it is taken to a large warehouse. Staff at the wholesale used clothing in California company will sort and select clean clothing items with no stains or damages.
Brokers also source wholesale used clothing from retail stores, donations, unsold thrift items from all over the world. Domestic and international used garment markets are filled with purchase opportunities. Used clothing brokers also work closely with large retail networks and fashion industries to obtain cast-off items.
Brokers purchase all types of garments and used clothing ranging from clothing to footwear, and even bed linens. They then handle the packaging and transportation of these items using special containers designed for this specific purpose.
How are items sorted?
During the sorting process, experienced personnel will carefully categorize the used clothing into five distinct groups. These are:
– Credential clothing or Premium
– Mixed Rags
– Purses and belts
– Shoes
– Linens
Once the items are sorted into various categories and checked for stains and damages, they are packaged in special ways. Premium items are considered the highest quality, so they’re carefully chosen and packed into bags. Considered as Grade 1 apparel, this is baled into 100lb bales. It frees up space during the transport process.
Clothing with a visible fade or wear-and-tear is packed into larger bales. After being securely wrapped with plastic or cloth for additional protection, they are placed into 20ft or 40ft containers- ready for shipping.
Why are the donated garments sorted?
When customers purchase resale items, they expect nothing less than the best value for their money. To ensure that the customer has access to a varied assortment of items, donated or purchased wholesale used clothing in California are carefully sorted into categories. These range from vintage, unsorted credential/premium clothing, mixed rags, linens, shoes, etc. These categories help meet customers’ needs and help satisfy various tastes.
There are multiple grades of clothing in various mixes to meet whatever needs. In addition, clothing and items are checked and sorted to ensure that the items are not damaged. No one likes to pay for stained or spoiled goods.
Which category of wholesale used clothing is the most popular?
The most sought-after category is credential or premium clothing, and it usually includes items from well-known brands and designers. These items are sourced from donations and retail stores.
Who purchases recycled garments?
Brokers of wholesale used clothing California sell these items to different businesses like online used clothing suppliers, sustainable retailers, vintage shops and individual customers.
Why purchase used clothing?
Throwing outworn garments fills up our landfills, contributing to pollution and endangers the natural habitat of indigenous flora and fauna. Considering only 14% of cast-off items are recycled, a more effective solution is necessary to reduce textile and clothing waste.
Buying and selling wholesale used clothing can prevent much of this waste. It is an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy that will divert significant amounts of garment waste from our landfills. Clothing brokers in California strive to strike a balance between sound environmental practices and customer satisfaction. Recycling gives new life to second-hand clothes that were once deemed worthless.
Samiyatex is a leading broker of wholesale used clothing in California. Whether you are selling or purchasing used clothing or garments, our staff can facilitate your requirements. Get in touch with us to learn more.
