In a major step toward scaling sustainable textile recycling, Rhenus 4PL Solutions GmbH, part of the Rhenus Group, is providing digital logistics expertise to Looper Textile Co., a joint venture between REMONDIS and H&M Group. This independent company aims to industrialize circular textile processes by collecting, sorting, and preparing up to 150 million garments annually for reuse and recycling.
Driving Smart Logistics for Textile Circularity
Looper Textile Co. was formed to respond to the growing demand for structured collection and sorting of post-consumer textiles. “The need for collection and sorting solutions has never been greater, and Looper is uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change,” noted Erik Lagerblad, CEO of Looper Textile Co.
With digital coordination at its core, Rhenus 4PL is implementing a custom-built 4PL Control Tower for Looper – an integrated platform that delivers real-time supply chain visibility and efficient logistics orchestration across all partners. The goal is to ensure smooth movement of materials, optimize reverse logistics, and reduce resource waste.
“Used textiles are one of the largest material flows in the world. We rely on digital solutions and our expertise in the circular economy to efficiently coordinate the movement of collected volumes of 150 million pieces per year. Together, we want to take the sustainable use of textiles into the future,” said Simon Bodmer, Head of Logistics, REMONDIS Recycling GmbH & Co. KG.
4PL Control Tower: Backbone of Circular Supply Chain
Acting as a Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) provider, Rhenus 4PL Solutions offers centralized oversight and management of the entire supply chain, tailored to the specific requirements of textile reuse and recycling. The Control Tower enables data-driven decision-making, transparency, and enhanced coordination between logistics partners.
“Our 4PL Control Tower provides a central platform for the coordinated and integrated management of all logistics activities and increases visibility along the entire value chain. This is crucial to achieving Looper Textile Co.’s goals,” stated Chris Gerfertz, Managing Global Director, Rhenus 4PL Solutions.
He added: “We’re proud to contribute to the success of Looper Textile Co. by providing digital supply chain visibility and management through our 4PL Control Tower. As part of the Rethmann Group, it’s great to see how REMONDIS and Rhenus are combining their strengths in recycling and logistics to drive practical, scalable solutions for circular textile flows.”
Impact and Innovation: Over 72 Million Garments Processed in 2024
Operating from two advanced sorting centers in Germany and one in Poland, Looper Textile Co. collaborates with a global network to sort garments into over 200 categories. The initiative made a strong impact in its initial years:
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40+ million garments extended in 2023
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72+ million garments processed in 2024
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65% reused
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25% recycled
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<10% responsibly discarded
Looper’s ongoing commitment to innovation includes a pilot line for automated sorting using near-infrared and optical sensor technology – a move that aligns with evolving textile-to-textile recycling demands.
Together, Rhenus, REMONDIS, and Looper Textile Co. are setting a benchmark for digitalized, scalable solutions in the circular textiles sector, pushing the boundaries of sustainable logistics and environmental responsibility.
