Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART)

Hear directly from SMART members on why they’ll be at the SMART 2025 Fall Conference, September 28–30 in Phoenix. From networking with industry leaders to exploring the latest innovations, this members-only event is where our industry comes together. SMART members — register today: https://lnkd.in/ecuNy_6F Not yet a member? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dzEMS9v Thank you to Joe Howlett – St. Pauly Textile, Katie Logue – Mednik Riverbend, Harold Kalfus – Rescon GmbH, Erica Kersey – Tilmar Textiles, and Syed Hasan Haider – Mohib Exports, for sharing why they’re joining us in Phoenix! #SMARTConference #SMARTMembers #TextileRecycling #Phoenix2025

📢 SMART is proud to be named a Founding Partner of the first-ever Textiles Recycling Expo USA, taking place April 29–30, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to advancing textile circularity and uniting the global value chain. 🔗 Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eX2ty6FZ

🚨 Last Chance: Early Bird Registration Ends Today! 🚨 Don’t miss your chance to join us at the SMART 2025 Fall Conference, September 28–30 in Phoenix, AZ. ✅ Save with early bird rates (deadline: August 27) ✅ Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and peers ✅ Gain insights on the latest trends, technologies, and policies in textile reuse & recycling ✅ Enjoy networking and learning in a beautiful resort setting at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Featured keynote: Natalie Hanson, Textile Trade Solutions – plus dynamic sessions and discussions designed to help you navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. 👉 This members-only event is your opportunity to strengthen partnerships, showcase your company, and be part of shaping the future of textile recycling and circular innovation. Register now before rates increase: https://lnkd.in/gkpuPcHs #SMARTConference #TextileRecycling #CircularEconomy #Networking #Sustainability

📢 Save the date! SMART’s 2026 Annual Convention is headed to Antwerp on April 20–22, 2026. Join us for insights, connections, and inspiration. Stay tuned for more details! https://lnkd.in/emCDbpJA

We are very excited to partner with Textiles Recycling Expo USA!

🌍 Are you a for-profit company in textile reuse or recycling? SMART is your industry’s voice. When you join SMART, you don’t just gain access—you gain influence.  ✔️ Be seen in the SMART Member Locator  ✔️ Access SMARTTrader to buy and sell  ✔️ Stay ahead with legislative alerts  ✔️ Attend member-only events in Phoenix & Dubai Membership is open. Make your move. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eTRgqwW #SMARTMembers #TextileRecycling #CircularEconomy #JoinSMART 

EPR: What California’s new law means for fashion’s future, according to SMART. SMART recently participated in California’s CalRecycle workshop on the implementation of SB 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, the state’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for textiles. Read more about what this legislation means for fashion’s future and how SMART members are helping shape it, https://lnkd.in/eyyZbxRW #SMARTAdvocacy #EPR #TextileRecycling #CircularEconomy

📅 SMART members, early bird rates for the SMART 2025 Fall Conference, September 28–30 in Phoenix, Arizona, end in two weeks. Register now for this members-only event featuring exceptional networking, insightful sessions, and the latest industry innovations. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ecuNy_6F ⁉️ Not yet a member? Learn more about membership and join us in Phoenix. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dzEMS9v #SMARTConference #SMARTMembers #TextileRecycling #Phoenix2025

The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) is urging local officials in the United States to promote the responsible utilization of clothing collection bins as part of efforts to address the escalating issue of textile waste. https://lnkd.in/erygeTDs

New Report Reveals Surprising Realities of Secondhand Clothing Trade from the U.S. to Guatemala 98% of Used Clothing Imported into Guatemala in 2023 Came from the U.S.; Vast Majority Reused Domestically SECONDHAND CLOTHING IMPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES TO GUATEMALA: A STUDY OF TRADE, DISTRIBUTION, AND LOCAL IMPACT. Please see some key data points in the report: 98% of Guatemala’s used clothing in 2023 (131 million kilograms) came from the U.S., making it the country’s largest supplier. Survey findings suggest that nearly 90% of imported garments are reused domestically, challenging misconceptions about textile waste dumping and outlining the innovative recycling solutions that exist for non-reusable items. The report also finds that there is high demand for ropa cruda (unsorted bales), because they allow local businesses to perform their own sorting –a process that creates local jobs, adds market-specific value, and offers the flexibility to meet diverse consumer preferences. What CEO, Lisa Jepsen, and Jennifer Wang, founder of Full Cycle Resource and lead author of the report, said about the report: “This report is significant because it shifts the conversation from waste to opportunity. It offers concrete evidence that global reuse systems are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically and socially valuable. It highlights the need to integrate international reuse into U.S. waste and circular economy policy.” Lisa Jepsen CEO of Garson & Shaw, LLC “Secondhand clothing shipped to Guatemala goes through multiple layers of value extraction by local sorters, retailers, and vendors,” said Jennifer Wang, founder of Full Cycle Resource and lead author of the report. “In fact, 88 per cent to 92 per cent of clothing is sorted for reuse. What we found is that the activity of sorting locally was not only valued but vital. It adds economic value, creates jobs, and ensures clothing can meet the specific needs of local markets.” Jennifer Wang founder of Full Cycle Resource Consulting (FCR) and lead author of the report. You can find the report for download here https://lnkd.in/ejSHSVyp