The typical apparel supply chain operates on a linear cradle -to-grave system. In 2018, the EPA measured, by weight, the amount of textile waste generation between 1960-2018, and then determined the amount landfilled, combusted, composted and recycled. The EPA found that when apparel was disposed of, 66.3% of was landfilled, 18.9% was combusted for energy, 0% was composted, and only 14.7% was recycled . Apparel waste management often results in the incineration and landfilling of apparel rather than repair, reuse or circular recycling. Apparel that is landfilled, incrinerated, or not properly recirculated represents billions of dollars of lost potential for these valuable materials (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017).

​

Repair, reuse, and circular recycling address both resource scarcity as well as a minimization of landfill destined waste. Mend Mother conceptually aims to solve two critical issues that face the industry as well the global population.

 

In the United States, traditional apparel disposal and re-circulation has been primarily focused on down-cycling material, the harvesting of “diamonds” or coveted vintage pieces, and sorting for export to other countries to either be resold, landfilled or when unmanaged, left to pollute the surrounding environment.

 

Repair and direct reuse of materials is more beneficial than physical recycling, especially when the re-use phase prolongs the service life of the original product. Mend Mother offers a sustainable disposal option for apparel contrasted with traditional ways of disposal.