Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne has diverted 1,013.5 kilograms worth of textiles in a donation drive in partnership with Upparel.
The donation drive was held for two weeks under the name Recycled & Be Rewarded, with the diverting reportedly resulting in 2.5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions being prevented.
According to Chadstone centre manager Daniel Boyle, the Recycle & Be Rewarded activation was an extension of Chadstone’s existing relationship with Upparel, which provides textile recycling facilities for the centre’s retailers.
“We’ve worked with Upparel for the last 18 months to provide retailers a service to repurpose damaged and faulty goods,” Boyle said. “We know an interest in the latest fashion can sit hand in glove with an interest in more sustainable practices, so we sought to expand the program to the general public.”
“Textile collection bins play a role in our waste management system and provide retailers with an avenue to divert damaged stock from landfill, reducing emissions.”
After the first week of the activation, centre visitors recycled 304.5 kilograms of textiles.
Chadstone houses over 550 stores, designer boutiques and over 30 luxury brands.