Reversing Direction in the Used Clothing Crisis

This joint report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), with support from the European Union, shows how extensive volumes of textile waste end up in the Atacama Desert, releasing microplastics and chemicals and transforming the landscape into a veritable open-air landfill. In 2022 alone, 124,000 tonnes of second-hand textiles entered Chile, according to Chilean National Customs Service data, many of which were eventually disposed of. This issue, however, is not isolated to Chile but indicative of a broader trend. This report offers an in-depth examination of the global trade flows of second-hand clothing, focusing on Europe and Chile. Through meticulous field and desk research, it elucidates the complex web of actors involved. It highlights the often-overlooked consequences of trade dynamics, consumer behaviours, and waste management strategies, uncovering some pressing challenges.