Calzedonia and Partners launch the project “Re-Thets” to recycle socks in Europe

Backed by the European Union, the Re -Tight Industrial Initiative, known as “Refiles” in French, is on a mission to build the first circular value chain for means in Europe. The project brings together the main players in fashion and logistics, including the Golden Lady, Hosiery Italian leg clothing giant and the Calzedonia retail power, its manufacturing subsidiary Ytres, expert in postal logistics Asendia E Textile Recycler Union Industries.

The project uses chemical separation technology to recover polyamide fibers. Each machine developed for this purpose is able to recycle up to 1.6 million pairs of socks per year. The system is based on the specific experience of each project partner.

The means used are collected in Calzedonia stores, with logistics managed by Asendia. Golden Lady, a manufacturer of yarns and average, in collaboration with Union Industries, is responsible for separating and recycling means used using a process designed to produce quality polyamide thread comparable to the virgin thread. Calzedonia, through its subsidiary of Ytres, manages the production of new means, from essential elements to more creative styles.

“Through this collaboration, Re-Stams aims to create a reproducible and sustainable model that can be applied to other complex textile products,” says project leaders, backed by the life program, the financial instrument of the European Commission dedicated to supporting innovative projects of environmental and climatic protection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd4ka6chglo

In 2024, it is estimated that the European market and stock market has reached 402 million pairs. This corresponds to approximately 5.5 billion euros in income for the last financial year.

In the French market, Calzedonia operates a network of around 230 points of sale. The brand belongs to the Oniverse Group, which also has Intimissimi, Tezenis and Falconeri. In 2024, Oniverse saw its total sales by 13.5% compared to 2023, exceeding € 3.5 billion.