Debrand, a Canadian company focusing on logistics for end-of-life clothing, has grown into the US with the opening of a new facility in Columbus, Ohio. This facility, stretching 32,000 square feet, indicates the company’s first textile sorting site in the United States, aimed at improving textile recycling infrastructure across North America. Operational with both mechanised and AI-driven sorting technology, besides manual sorting methods, the facility aims to meet the rising demand for sustainable solutions to redirect clothing from disposal.
Columbus was selected strategically due to its closeness to major clothing brands working in the region, which aligns with Debrand’s efforts to reduce transportation distances for textile processing. The company presently runs a similar facility in Vancouver, Canada, and subcontracted sorting operations from WM in Arizona and South Carolina.
Amelia Eleiter, CEO and co-founder of Debrand, shared, “There are a growing amount of challenges posed by the steep volume of textiles manufactured annually, hence we need scalable solutions in North America. “
Debrand has a track record of redirecting more than 4.5 million pounds of textile waste from removal in the past 18 months, partnering closely with brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Lululemon, and Victoria’s Secret.
The new Ohio facility is currently in its startup phase and has begun receiving textile shipments. It utilises a blend of human sorting expertise and advanced technology, including an AI-powered allocation engine that optimises recycling, reuse, and resale decisions based on detailed item and material data.
Looking ahead, Debrand is exploring partnerships in chemical recycling and monitoring legislative developments, such as California’s proposed extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles bill, to support the responsible management of textile waste across the industry.
California lawmakers are presently considering a textiles EPR bill, potentially indicating a ground-breaking step in the United States, if enacted. The planned legislation has gathered backing from different waste industry organisations and haulers such as Republic Services, even though certain apparel companies have voiced opposition to particular aspects of the bill.
