Solving a 9-million-tonnes-a-year problem.
Give Back Box partners with ZigZag Global to redirect landfill-bound clothes to charity
ZigZag Global, the global platform that gives retailers the chance to turn their returns policy into a business game-changer, today announced a new partnership with Give Back Box, an organisation that enables retailers to send returning items straight to charity. Together, ZigZag Global and Give Back Box are supporting the fashion industry to become more sustainable across the globe.
According to WRAP, around 9 million tonnes of clothing end up in US landfills and 330,000 tonnes of clothing end up in UK landfills every year. With millions of returns passing through ZigZag, the partnership between the returns platform and Give Back Box will help reduce landfill waste through a bespoke technology integration that allows customers to choose Give Back Box as a return option, sending the item directly to charity. This option will be available for retailers that meet the criteria to enable charity donations and can happen in less than 60 seconds.
As return volumes continue to grow alongside booming eCommerce sales, the logistical capabilities of ZigZag will allow Give Back Box to better manage and support charity donations to online shoppers around the globe. Boasting over 400 carrier services and 220 warehouses across over 130 countries, the expertise of ZigZag will help Give Back Box expand their international reach and bolster the catalogues of around 100 different charity organisations.
Al Gerrie, Co-Founder & CEO of ZigZag Global commented, “As a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation CE100, we are always looking for ways to enrich our sustainability offering. Give Back Box will enable ZigZag retailers to support local communities and charities quickly and easily, with the added benefit that all outbound packaging is reused for the charity returns. We are excited to work with Give Back Box and continue to promote a more circular economy.”
As worries about environmental impact of returns and social justice increases, consumers are shifting their priorities and looking for more sustainable options when buying and returning items online. Sparked by the emergence of a more environmentally conscious consumer, the resale market will grow by 69% from 2019 to 2021, whilst the rest of retail shrinks by 15% (ThredUp’s 2020 Resale Report). The partnership comes at a crucial time, giving retailers a hassle-free, cost-effective option for overseas returns that allow customers to choose a more sustainable way to return their goods directly to charity. With some of the world’s biggest brands, including Selfridges, Superdry, Ted Baker, GAP, The Hut Group as clients of ZigZag, the new partnership can boost donations from high-quality brands.
Give Back Box makes being ethical, effortless. The social enterprise makes it easy for online shoppers to reuse the packaging from orders to send donations or unwanted items from their home directly to charity. Monika Wiela, CEO & Founder at Give Back Box stated, “We are delighted to be working with ZigZag. From its paperless solution to its platform cutting carbon emissions, it is clear that ZigZag is aligned with Give Back Box’s goal to make retail greener. The partnership will make it even easier for customers to make charitable donations and will no doubt provide our participating charities with high-quality and highly sought-after clothing.”
In addition, with charities part of the non-essential group of stores forced to shut during the UK’s multiple lockdowns, accepting donations was nearly impossible. Give Back Box however was able to continue receiving and storing donations through Collect Plus points. With charities once again pulling up their shutters, the partnership between Give Back Box and ZigZag will help refill their shops with quality clothing brands making up for lost revenue.
About Give Back Box
Give Back Box® provides vendor services to retailers and charities, giving each and every cardboard box a second life to help people in need. So it is also a ‘green’ solution! Reuse your online shipping boxes in which you received your purchases, or any other cardboard box you may have, to donate your unwanted household items: such as gently used clothing, shoes etc., to make a major difference in the life of another person.
To find out more please visit http://www.givebackbox.org.uk