Sustainability Report 2017

EXPORT TEXAID exports used textiles to locations around the world. Unsorted used textiles are recycled by third-party companies in Italy, Belgium, and Eastern Europe. Since TEXAID is exporting used textiles globally, its economic success depends on numerous factors and conditions of international politics and eco- nomy. TEXAID operates in a dynamic environment that is affected by regional flash-points, fluctuating ex- change rates and continuously changing legal frameworks. Some of the most noteworthy developments in re- cent years include the introduction of the Closed Cycle and Waste Management Act (KrWG) in Ger- many in 2012, the unpegging of the Swiss Franc from the Euro in January 2015 and armed conflicts and political crises in crucial sales markets in Eas- tern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. These events drove down the demand for second-hand clothing and are being closely monitored by the Group’s risk management team. The image (right) shows the percentages of used textiles distributed by the TEXAID Group to vari- ous regions in the world. About 1 percent of these textiles are distributed to TEXAID stores in Ger- many. This represents approximately 5 percent of the collected goods sorted in Germany. America 2016 0.1 % 2017 0.4 % Global exportation figures of the TEXAID Group 26