For sustainability sake, fashion now wants you to recycle your... underwear

What should you do with your used underwear? Give them a second life, it seems. Photo: AFP

While consumers' buying habits have significantly changed recently in regards to secondhand clothing, it's still not easy to resell, let alone buy, used underwear.

To address this issue head on, a startup company in the US called Parade has launched a nationwide recycling programme to collect used underwear including panties and thongs and turn them into furniture, carpet and insulation.

Read more: Secondhand is in style? Luxury fashion moves further into the resale business

What should you do with your used underwear? Give them a second life, it seems.

At a time when recycling, upcycling, and secondhand clothes are taking root in consumers' wardrobes, the underwear issue persists. Reselling a sweater or dress on a second-hand platform isn't exactly the same thing as sorting out your used underwear...

Because these are items that, once worn, are not really appreciated in a second life.

To remedy this, and help reduce textile waste generated by this sector, an American brand is presenting a recycling programme of a new kind: "Second Life by Parade".

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In partnership with specialised company TerraCycle, the Parade brand recovers your underwear thanks to biodegradable recycling kits, then sends them to TerraCycle so that they can be shredded, then recycled into some surprising new products.

Your boxers, briefs, thongs and panties will be transformed into rugs, soundproofing materials, furniture, and even bedding.

In return, customers will receive a 20% discount on Parade's sustainable products.

Read more: Don't shop, rent! Even luxury labels are launching clothing rentals

More concretely, you just have to order a free kit and fill it with used underwear or underwear you're not wearing. However be aware that the brand is not yet taking swimwear or bras.

They accept items from all brands, but they must be washed. This is an important detail.

The two partners take care of the rest, and allow you to get your discount in exchange. Note that the service is only available in the US. – AFP Relaxnews