Used clothing exports help in waste control and enhance Guatemala’s economy

The study, conducted by the entire course, shows that exporting used clothes helps in converting textile waste from the landfill and burning in the United States during the generation of jobs, entrepreneurship and circular economics practices in the Central America.

“This report is important because it transmits the conversation from waste to opportunities,” said Lisa Gibson, CEO of Garson & Shaw.

The United States is one of the largest fabric waste producers in the world, with 85 % of the clothes used in waste burials or incinerators annually.

According to the report, Guatemala imported 131 million kilograms of clothes used from the United States in 2023, which represents 98 % of the total imported clothes.

The study found that approximately 90 % of these clothes are reused inside the country.

The report indicates that the used clothing industry in Guatemala enhances property rights between the sexes, as it has approximately 60 % of relevant companies.

In Guatemala, imported used clothes are classified as either classified, they are already classified by the type of element, quality or non -classified, which indicate Balt that contains a mixture of clothes in its original case collected.

Balt is not specially classified because it provides local companies for sorting opportunities based on the specific market requirements, thus creating job opportunities and adding value to the local economy.

“Used clothes that are shipped to Guatemala pass through multiple layers of value extract by local analysts, retailers and sellers,” said Jennifer Wang, founder of the full course resources and the main author of the report.

“In fact, 88 % to 92 % of the clothes are sorted for reuse. What we found is that locally sorting activity was not only value, but it adds economic value, creates jobs, and ensures that the clothes meet the specific needs of local markets.”

Mario Benia, co -founder of clothes in Central America, added, “Balt is not shown is the backbone of what we do. It allows us to create thousands of jobs in our screening centers and stores, while enabling us to meet demand across the various markets and income levels.”

Recommendations for American policy makers

The report calls for strengthening public education to coordinate responsible tissue and coordinate assembly regulations to improve textile groups.

It also urges to ensure the consideration of the policies of the responsibility of the new generation (EPR) producers to re -use the global barriers and maintain the quality of used clothes.