Zara launches US ‘Pre-owned’ program to promote circularity

Desk Report October 30, 2024Last Updated: October 30, 2024

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Zara has launched its “Pre-Owned” platform in the U.S., marking a major expansion of the circularity initiative outside Europe. Originally launched across 16 countries, including Italy, the U.K., and France, the U.S. debut reflects Inditex’s ambitious circularity goals aimed at net-zero emissions by 2040. The “Pre-Owned” program focuses on repair, resell, and donation, enabling U.S. customers to extend the life of their Zara garments through these options.

Accessible via Zara’s website, app, and stores, the platform provides a range of services. For repairs, customers can request fixes for any Zara garment, from any season, covering everything from replacing buttons to mending seams. The resell option is organized by product category, allowing sellers to include detailed information on each item, with Zara’s AI-powered system auto-populating original product images. Customers simply need to specify item sizing and condition before listing.

Through the donation option, Zara collaborates with more than 90 community organizations, including the Salvation Army in the U.S., to support vulnerable groups and community projects. The program promotes reuse wherever possible, with worn items converted into new textile fibers or industrial materials if beyond wearable condition. Notably, customers in New York City can also arrange item pickups with online orders, furthering ease of participation.

Paula Ampuero, Zara’s head of sustainability, shared that this U.S. launch is part of Inditex’s broader commitment to responsible consumption and circularity. “We envision a world where every Zara garment is reused or recycled,” she said, underscoring the company’s dedication to reducing waste and environmental impact.

In line with these initiatives, Inditex is also investing in sustainable fiber development, lab-grown cotton, and textile recycling tech partnerships, all aimed at decreasing emissions by 50% by 2030. By advancing the Pre-Owned program, Zara aims to lead in promoting a sustainable fashion cycle while enabling consumers to make eco-conscious choices.