RE:TURN – Takeback & Circular Recycling of Used Workwear

Give your used uniforms a new life. Imagewear offers RE:TURN – a circular takeback system developed together with Sunwill. We manage collection, pickup and documented recycling of discarded workwear. The result: less waste, a reduced CO₂ footprint and a clear CSR/ESG profile.

Contact us to get started – we assist with setup, logistics and annual documentation.

Why takeback? Climate, resources & responsibility

Textile production requires large amounts of water, energy and chemicals. Without a structured end-of-life solution, used workwear often ends up as residual waste – even though fibres can be reused. With RE:TURN, textiles enter a controlled and traceable circular process.

The best fibres are recycled into new materials, while other fractions are used as insulation materials for construction and automotive industries. Your organisation gains a measurable sustainability initiative that supports both operations and compliance.

How RE:TURN works – simple & fully documented

1. On-site collection
   We supply RE:TURN boxes and instructions. Place clean, washed and dry garments in the boxes. Wear and holes are fine – contamination is not.
2. Pickup arranged by Imagewear
   When boxes are full, contact us. We arrange pickup and logistics. For optimal efficiency, we recommend shipping multiple boxes at once.
3. Weighing & registration
   All shipments are weighed and registered. Your company can receive annual CSR/ESG documentation.
4. Professional sorting & recycling
   Through our partnership with Sunwill, textiles are processed by SOEX in Germany using advanced sorting technology.

Imagewear, Sunwill & SOEX – technology that makes a difference

SOEX has specialised in textile recycling since 1977 and operates one of Europe’s most advanced facilities. Using AI-based NIR fibre identification, textiles are automatically sorted at high capacity, enabling maximum fibre-to-fibre recycling (closed loop).

Materials not suitable for chemical recycling are processed via mechanical recycling (open loop) and reused in insulation and industrial applications. Incineration is a last resort, which is why correct preparation (clean & dry textiles) is essential.

Benefits for your organisation

• Documented climate action – annual CSR/ESG and CO₂ reporting.
• Simple operations – standardised collection and pickup via Imagewear.
• Brand & employee engagement – responsibility from purchase to end-of-life.
• Supports UN Sustainable Development Goals – see our work at UN SDGs.

Practical: What can go into a RE:TURN box?

• YES: Clean, washed and dry workwear/uniforms (wear and holes OK).
• YES: Workwear from other brands.
• NO: Dirty or wet textiles.
• NO: Shoes (handled via separate recycling solutions).

Special needs regarding locations or volumes? Contact us – we tailor the setup.

FAQ – RE:TURN takeback & recycling

How do we book a pickup?

Contact Imagewear via the contact form or call +45 63 16 00 25. Please state number of boxes and estimated volume.

Do we receive documentation?

Yes. An annual report can be provided for CSR/ESG and CO₂ reporting.

Can we return garments from other brands?

Yes. RE:TURN focuses on keeping as many textiles as possible in circulation.

Is the clothing reused as clothing?

No. Items are recycled via fibre-to-fibre or mechanical recycling. Energy recovery is used only as a last resort.

What does it cost?

Costs depend on transport and volumes. Contact us for pricing.

Ready to take responsibility – the easy way?

RE:TURN helps you combine operational efficiency with sustainability. We support setup, logistics and internal communication.

Contact Imagewear