The second-hand clothing industry significantly reduces the environmental impact of textile production and has an underexplored socioeconomic impact.

This report, commissioned by Humana People to People and Sympany+, analyses the socioeconomic impact of this industry in the EU and the United Kingdom, as well as in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique.

It found that the second-hand clothing industry generates significant economic value through green jobs in both continents, supporting economic activity in line with environmental policies.

Moreover, the industry contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, for example by supporting the livelihoods of thousands of second-hand clothing traders and providing affordable clothing options to people around the world.

This report aims to shed light on the carbon footprint of the retail and wholesale sector in Europe and its value chains around the world. Besides providing insight into the status quo, it aims to set out a path towards a more sustainable future across four retail and wholesale subsectors:

1. food and beverage and health and beauty
2. textile and apparel
3. consumer electronics, and
4. home and do-it-yourself.

The study points out that there are four decarbonisation levers for retailers and wholesalers, including improved product circularity and improved packaging circularity.

The publisher hopes that this study will provide policymakers with actionable insights.