TerraCycle "Collecting Nike Apparel and Shoes for Recycling and Donation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] TerraCycle has partnered with Nike Korea to launch the 'Nike Recycling & Donation' program, which collects Nike apparel and shoes for recycling or donation.

According to a report by the French International Economic Institute (CEPII), South Korea ranks fifth in the world for exporting used clothing, following the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China. About 70% of clothing collection bins commonly seen on streets are installed and operated by individuals or private companies. Only a portion of the clothing collected in these bins is resold domestically, with the majority exported to developing countries. If the exported used clothing is not resold, it is ultimately incinerated or landfilled in those countries, becoming a major cause of environmental pollution.

The Nike Recycling & Donation program was designed to reduce textile waste and lead a culture of resource circulation. Nike apparel and shoes collected through consumer participation will be gathered by TerraCycle, sorted, and then either recycled into materials or donated as goods.

The program is open to everyone. Collection bins have been installed at the newly opened Nike store in Seoul, and collection points will be expanded primarily to Nike directly operated stores nationwide in the future. Detailed program information can be found on the official Nike Korea website.

A TerraCycle Korea representative said, "We are very pleased to join Nike's global journey toward 'Move to Zero,' aiming for zero waste, as a partner in Korea. We will do our best to give new value to discarded apparel and shoes and ensure they are donated where needed."

Meanwhile, the global recycling consulting company TerraCycle established its Korean branch in September 2017 and has been promoting the spread of resource circulation culture in Korea through partnerships with private companies and public institutions such as Coca-Cola Korea, Amorepacific, Binggrae, Lock&Lock, E-Mart, and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation.