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Reverse Resources: a SaaS platform connecting manufacturers, waste handlers and recyclers

Last updated: Apr 13, 2023

Summary

Reverse resources provides a platform to streamline textile transfer, reuse and recycling by connecting manufacturers, waste handlers and recyclers on a global scale.

Problem

48 million tones of clothing are disposed worldwide every year. 73% are incinerated, 12% is reused, 12% is downcycled, and only less then 1% is turned into new clothes. RR identified that 47% of all fibre entering the fashion value chain becomes waste. Lack of transparency has also lead to complex aftermarket supply chains which trade in these waste materials, limiting a factory's ability to discern the true value of their waste material, despite the fact that a proportion of their income is derived from on-selling their production waste.

Solution

Reverse Resources focuses on textile waste, and identifies that this is under reported and hard to track due to low transparency. Calling themselves the "uber of textile waste", Reverse Resources offers a platform to connect actors from across the supply chain to reduce middlemen and improve transparency. They match factory waste supply with waste handlers and recyclers and increase communication to lead to higher quality and greater tracking around recycling. Their software platform allows these actors to connect and trade materials, and to follow the material flows to provide transparency throughout the process. They also provide factories reports on their waste and where it goes through their platform. Furthermore, recyclers can use their verification documents to support the claims for recycled certifications or standards.

Outcome

This platform allows increased transparency around the volumes of waste produced by factories, and improves information flows across the supply chain. It enables actors to connect directly, and therefore improve profits through more efficient circulation of waste. Furthermore, through tracking waste as it is transferred between actors, Reverse Resources provides recyclers with accurate material information, knowledge which can be passed on into a new cycle of production.

Currently RR has registered on its platfrom:

70 recyclers

44 waste handlers

1,287 manufacturers

24 countries