Sorting

Sorting Steps

After unloading of the collected raw material, the first sorting step consists of removing non-textiles and sortation based on type. This means that for example trousers are being sorted together, t-shirts, sweaters and so on. Following this step, the textiles are transported to the fine-sorting area, where the garments and shoes are sorted again, this time based on quality. The training, expertise and years of experience of our team comes to play here, sorting the textiles based on frequently changing demand of the second-hand market, taking into account unique variables for every market such as culture, climate, sizing and more.

When the sorting steps are completed, the finished products need to be packed in order to be transported. Different packaging methods are used, based on the purpose of the end-products and customer demand. In general, all packaging methods can be compiled in three options: non-pressed woven bags, small pressed bales and larger pressed bales. All bags and bales receive a unique ID with the help of our custom EPS software system. The bags and bales are then stocked in our warehouses until a full container or truck load is ready for transport.

Traceability and Transparency

Our in-house developed EPS system is unique in offering detailed traceability throughout the sorting process. All aspects of our sorting are managed by our system, from the input of our plants to the sorting and its end-of-life destination. Unifying this data enables the creation of unique insights of our textile waste, as well as offering stakeholders the transparency they need to manage the responsibilities we all have. Combining our EPS software with the MangoStone collection software extends the field of view by also including collection data in the reports, offering a full-range overview of the post-consumer supply chain.

Sorting for Recycling

Sorting for recycling is often mentioned when presented with innovations to sort non-reusable textiles. As circular recycling demands different, often significantly more detailed ways of sorting from our facilities, sorting for recycling is a crucial step towards a fully circular industry. The Erdotex Group is investing heavily into sorting for recycling, having developed an in-house material scanner for sorting purposes, as well as forging initiatives for material pre-processing in order to create the most effective and efficient solution for producing recycling feedstock.