Sell, reuse, recycle. These are the foundations of the circular economy applied to the world of fashion, and now Zalando also wants to jump into this new adventure. On the occasion of World Earth Day, the German group wanted to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability in the best possible way. A second-hand section was opened in Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and Sweden on the 22nd.
The procedure is quite simple and immediate. Put the items you no longer use for sale on the site and receive a corresponding credit to spend on future purchases. Or you can donate to the Red Cross or WeForest. To make everything even easier, the wishlist function has been improved, allowing you to load the products purchased both elsewhere and in the store in a few steps. In addition, the category’s shipping service will be equipped with plastic-free, recycled paper-based packaging.
«This is an essential step for the company. We want to be a reference point for fashion. We see the urgency for our sector to invest in used cars, to allow customers to make more sustainable choices». These are the words of Torben Hansen, vice president recommenders of Zalando. The giant’s goal is to promote a more circular fashion system. Raise awareness among its users on the various ethical issues and the possible waste that irreparably damages the environment.
Now allied with the Ellen McArthur foundation, Zalando has long adhered to the principles of the green economy, promising to extend the life cycle of products by 2023. A project that had a significant impact on the actual business, since in 2020, the sale of eco-friendly items represented 16% of GMV-gross merchandise volume, compared to 7% in 2019.
