Vermont Green FC has introduced the Closed Loop Program, in partnership with Recover Brands. The Closed Loop Program will address the problem of clothing waste through a fully circular textile recycling system, starting with a used clothing drop-off box at all Vermont Green FC matches. Recover Brands will partner with the club to host “Circularity Night” at the June 24 match against AC Connecticut to highlight the new initiative.
The Closed Loop Program will be a new way for fans to get directly involved with Vermont Green FC’s sustainability efforts by bringing their used clothing to games to be collected and recycled into new garments by Recover Brands, effectively keeping hundreds of pounds of textile out of the landfills.
“A big part of sustainability is durability, but we also recognize that all apparel, including even your most well-loved Recover tees, doesn’t last forever and will eventually need to be retired. That is where our new Closed Loop Program comes in – we are excited to offer anyone and everyone a way to keep your old t-shirts out of the landfill by giving them infinite life through a fully circular textile recycling system,” said a Recover Brands representative.
The average American throws away 81 lbs of apparel each year. The Closed Loop Program allows Vermont Green FC to take in any cotton or polyester tees or hoodies and put them back into the Recover Brands supply chain to create new merchandise. By recycling old garments, we are collectively keeping apparel waste out of landfills, reducing carbon emissions, and saving water and energy.
The Closed Loop Program is a vital component of Vermont Green FC’s strategy to become a net zero club, making it so even official club gear can be returned to the club after its wearable lifecycle and turned into new items through circularity.