Debrand Opens New U.S. Facility To Boost Textile Circularity
Debrand, a pioneer in next-life logistics for the apparel and footwear industry, has announced the opening of its inaugural U.S. facility in Columbus, Ohio. This 32,000-square-foot facility is strategically located to support the growing demand for scalable advanced textile sortation services and to expand Debrand’s circular textile ecosystem, which stands as North America’s most comprehensive hub for textile sustainability and circularity.
Located in a vibrant fashion and apparel industry center, the new facility is equipped with cutting-edge sortation technology and machinery. It aims to assist brands in integrating sustainability and circularity models, preparing them for future regulatory requirements.
“The fashion industry faces a critical juncture with textile waste,” said Amelia Eleiter, CEO and Co-founder of Debrand. “The volume of garments produced annually is overwhelming, and North America lacks sufficient regional solutions. Our expansion is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and future-proofing our operations to align with upcoming regulations.”
The opening of the Columbus facility comes in response to the increasing urgency for infrastructure investment to support the circular economy for textile waste, especially with proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bills in major U.S. markets.
The new facility will mirror the success of Debrand’s Canadian operations, featuring a blend of automated sortation technology and equipment designed to enhance capacity and capabilities. This investment supports Debrand’s commitment to scalable next-life logistics services and solutions.
Meghan McLane, Director of Product Sustainability at Victoria’s Secret, expressed enthusiasm for the new facility. “Debrand has been crucial in advancing our end-of-life garment program. This new facility represents a significant step toward building the necessary infrastructure in North America for brands to adopt circular models.”
In November 2022, Debrand received a strategic investment from WM, North America’s largest environmental solutions provider, marking WM’s first investment in textile recycling. The new U.S. facility aligns with WM’s operations and supports Debrand’s growth in the fashion and apparel sector.
The facility, with access to top-tier talent and resources in Columbus, is set to drive Debrand’s continued growth and success. The company remains dedicated to offering consulting services, technical knowledge, and next-life logistics expertise. In the past 18 months, Debrand has diverted over 4.5 million pounds of textile waste from landfills.
Natasha Franck, CEO and Founder of EON, highlighted the significance of Debrand’s expansion: “Their expertise in textile waste management and commitment to sustainability are vital for advancing circular fashion in North America. Debrand’s efforts will help develop practical solutions for a scalable circular economy.”
