Sustainability

Pillars of Circularity

1. Using Waste as a Resource
Our primary focus is up-cycling. We source pre-loved, deadstock and over run garments from a handful of suppliers across South Africa and use these existing garments as material for our upcycled collection.
If we have any deadstock/over runs within our sustainably made collection - we attempt to upcycle it as well. If that is not possible, we garments to our recycling/down-cycling partner Clothes to Good in Johannesburg.
 

Through this process, we extend the life of garments, and keep them out of out of landfill, reducing their impact on the environment. 

2. Locally Made in Small Quantities: 

Everything we make is produced locally and in small quantities - to reduce waste and deadstock.
 
3. Carbon Neutral Delivery: 
For a Climate Friendly Cart, don't forget to add 'Carbon Click'. Watch video on how it works here.

Our Sustainability Goals

Circularity and Sustainability is a journey. The product we produce is a snapshot of a much bigger picture. 

Apart from our current efforts, we have an ambitious list of sustainability goals.

1. By the end of 2023 our goal is to have launched our take back program: This would mean that you can bring/send back your used Rethread garments (in exchange for a small incentive), we would then repair, resell or recycle the garments on your behalf, to extend their life. 

2. Currently, a large part of our production & sales come from our ‘New’ collection. These garments are not upcycled, but produced in a traditional manner (from rolls of fabric), but all made locally and in small quantities, to reduce waste and deadstock. In the next 5 years our goal is to ensure that majority of the clothing produced in this category, is made from recycled/organic/locally sourced materials.

3. Grow through the degrowth principal:

"Degrowth is the radical theory that broadly means shrinking rather than growing the material intensity of our economies to use less of the world’s resources and avert climate catastrophe." - Early Majority 

Inspired by a brand called Early Majority, our goal is to grow our business by offering a paid membership to our community. By the end of 2024, we would like to have successfully launched a membership program that gives our customers access to perks including: free shipping, early access to drops, discounted retail prices & free access to all events & workshops created and hosted by us.

By doing this, we can plan & produce collections more efficiently (for our community at the time), meaning: more efficient production, less waste while still reaching revenue goals.

Who Made my Clothes?

Your Upcyled garments are made by a small team of machinists in Knysna. Alexa, Zita, Babes, Lindo, Leyemma & Josephine! 

Your 'Sustainably Made'/new garments are produced by a CMT in Cape Town, headed by Naeema.

How to Rethread?

What to do with your Rethread garments, if/when you are ready to part ways?  

Resell

If your Rethread pieces are still in wearable condition (clean, with minor/no defects) we suggest you pass them on to somebody else! Why not make a little extra cash & save the planet at the same time? 

Here are some of our favourite Resale options available in South Africa

Online Resale Platforms: Upload your second-hand items online & sell directly to buyers.

Yaga 

Wisi Oi 

The Flipp

Consignment Stores: Take your clothing to a consignment store where they price & sell the clothing on your behalf for a commission on the retail price. 

Afraid of Mice (CT)

Wizards Vintage (JHB)

Donate 

If you are not in the mood to go through the resale process & your items are still in good nick - donate them to a charity store. 

Hospice

Any other charity store in your local area

Recycle

Did you know you can take any textile waste to an H&M store and they will ensure your garments are recycled.

In South Africa H&M are partnered up with Clothes to Good, who ensure all textile waste is recycled & downcycled. Watch video on how it works here.