The investment positions Debrand for expansive growth, according to a press release. The terms of the investment agreement were not disclosed. With a reputation for exceptional service and breakthrough innovations, Debrand specialises in reverse logistics for the fashion and retail industry. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada and customers include Lululemon Athletica, Canada Goose, Aritzia, Kit and Ace, IKEA Canada, and Everlane.

“We work with our customers to unlock the highest value for their products by extending the products’ life through reuse or recycling,” said Amelia Eleiter, co-founder of Debrand. “Not only will WM’s investment allow us to integrate our solutions at scale across North America, but we will also be able to empower new and existing customers’ to run efficient and profitable circular systems.”

This year, Debrand is projected to divert nearly 1,000 tons of used textiles (125 per cent year-over-year growth), from landfills through resale, recycling, and repurposing channels. The investment from WM will accelerate Debrand’s plans to grow its operations, capabilities, customer network, and team in support of both existing and new customers, while continuing to deliver on the company’s reputation for best-in-class solutions, quality, and customer service.

“Our customers are looking for ways to reduce waste from their operations, enhance their sustainability reporting, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy,” said Eric Dixon, vice president of sustainability and environmental solutions at WM. “WM, in turn, is continuing to adapt to meet these needs and become a true sustainability partner to our customers.”

“After working with Debrand, we recognised the immense value of their cutting-edge textile allocation technology that has enabled us to enhance sortation and divert our customers’ textile waste from landfills into circular solutions. Over 17 million tons of used textile waste are generated annually in the US, and our investment in Debrand will help rapidly grow and scale textile solutions and innovation across North America,” said Dixon.

Significant demand and growth are expected for Debrand’s reverse logistics textile solutions in response to climate change and the movement towards a circular economy. The fashion industry is one of the highest producers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally, and a growing number of brands have committed to adopting circular strategies to reduce GHG emissions that derive from producing fibres and raw materials.

World leaders and organisations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), have also pledged their commitment to reducing emissions by at least 45 per cent by 2030. Consumers and regulators are putting pressure on companies to embrace circular business models to alleviate the burden on already stressed natural resources and move towards a sustainable future.

“I am excited and honoured that WM has made this investment in our company, team, and technology,” said Eleiter. “With their support, we will be able to scale our business and help even more companies transform the way they process returned and surplus inventory by eliminating waste and inefficiencies and prioritising reuse, recycle, and resale opportunities.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)