Recycling: The quest to eliminate waste

We choose to see the resources we use as resources borrowed from the planet and Houdini as the custodian of these, responsible for handing them back to the planet in good shape. A take-back system for all Houdini products is therefore a given. Together with our end users we treat worn-out garments as they were intended when designed - as a resource to recycle, rather than as waste.

Share of completely circular styles in Fall/Winter 2022. Definition of circular: Styles designed to be recycled at end-of-life and made from recycled or organic, renewable and biodegradable fibres.

As the first European brand we became a partner in Eco-Circle, textile manufacturer Teijin’s closed-loop system for polyester recycling in 2006. This system enabled us to provide products made from recycled fibers that at the end of their lifecycle can go back into the same system and become a resource for new garments. This process has been scaled up since and other solutions have been added in order for us to recycle all products.

Recycled polyester reduces both CO₂ emissions and water use compared to virgin polyester.

How do I recycle polyester products?

We have recycling units in all our own stores and at many retailers. You can return any worn-out Houdini garment. We will make sure nothing goes to waste and that the raw material can be used for new products. If you have a Houdini garment that is not recyclable, you can still return it. Recycling solutions are developing and we don't want to destroy any potential resources.

What are the benefits of recycled polyester?

Recycled polyester reduces both CO₂ emissions and water usage compared to virgin polyester. How much it saves, depends on how you measure and the type of recycling you're doing. For example, one of our suppliers shows 32% less CO₂ emissions and 94% less water use for mechanically recycled polyester. Read more in our Planetary Boundaries Assessment.

Another environmental benefit of recycled polyester is the fact that we use material that could otherwise be incinerated or put into landfills. We reduce plastic waste and the consumption of crude oil at the same time.