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Reversing Direction in the Used Clothing Crisis: Global, European and Chilean Perspectives
Summary
This report by UNECE and UNECLAC examines global trade flows of second-hand clothing with a focus on Europe and Chile, finding that 124,000 tonnes of used textiles entered Chile in 2022 alone, with large volumes ending up in the Atacama Desert and releasing microplastics and chemicals into the environment.
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.