Uniqlo, the Japanese global apparel retailer known for its practical yet stylish basics, has unveiled an impressive sustainability initiative just in time for Earth Month. The “UNtrash It” program addresses a critical environmental issue at a time when most consumers don’t think about their environmental impact – during a move.
The initiative, created in partnership with Piece of Cake Moving and Storage and textile recycling platform SuperCircle, offers a solution to the staggering problem of textile waste. Current global estimates show that approximately 92 million tons of clothing are discarded each year, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of textiles being dumped in landfills every second.
For those who book a move with Piece of Cake, the process is simple. Unwanted garments go into “UNtrash It” bags, which movers collect along with household goods. The clothes then enter Uniqlo‘s Re.Uniqlo program, where SuperCircle sorts them for donation, upcycling or recycling. The service is free to consumers during Earth Month.
Jean-Emmanuel Shein, Uniqlo’s Global Director of Sustainability, explains the thinking behind the effort. “At Uniqlo, we believe that sustainability is about more than just creating responsible products – it’s about taking full accountability for everything we make, from design to end-of-life. By partnering with Piece of Cake Moving & Storage and SuperCircle, we’re expanding our long-standing Re.Uniqlo program to meet customers where they are – such as when they are moving homes – so no clothing ends up in a landfill.”
For those not currently planning a move, access to the “UNtrash It” program remains available through collection bins at every Uniqlo store nationwide, ensuring that garments are reused or broken down into new materials.
Najah Ayoub of Piece of Cake Moving highlights how the program encourages mindful packing. “Before a customer starts packing, we encourage them to take a moment to edit their closet: if they haven’t worn something in a year, it’s probably time to donate or sell it. The UNtrash It partnership with Uniqlo and SuperCircle makes it even easier to get rid of clothes, while giving them a second life and making sure they don’t end up in a landfill.”
SuperCircle’s CEO, Chloe Songer, highlights the program’s alignment with the principles of circular fashion: “The UNtrash It initiative takes our years-long partnership with Re.Uniqlo to a new level by making it easier than ever for consumers to recycle and give their clothing a second life, right when they need it most.”
UNtrash It‘s not just for Earth Month. The goal is to change behavior for the long term by embedding recycling into routine transitions. By merging moving logistics, in-store drop-offs, and advanced recycling, Uniqlo and its partners are providing a blueprint for reducing fashion waste at scale.
