As an international trade association, SMART strengthens the economic opportunities of our diverse membership by promoting the interdependence of the for-profit textile recycling industry segments and provides a common forum for networking, education and advocacy. SMART members use and convert recycled and secondary materials from used clothing, commercial laundries and nonwoven, off spec material, new mill ends and paper from around the world. SMART member companies create thousands of jobs worldwide. Our members prove each day that you can make money by being socially responsible.
Founded in 1932, the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association is composed of companies from the all over the world who are involved in every phase of our diverse industry.
SMART companies acquire both unused and used (pre-and post-consumer) textiles for reuse and recycling purposes. There are two core business models for our membership that includes both the pre-consumer and post-consumer markets.
In the pre-consumer market, our members recover and process materials acquired prior to consumer use to be used as wiping cloths or to make new materials via fiber conversion for automobiles, home furnishings and a variety of other products. In the post?consumer market, our members buy and sell used clothing and textiles including those from excess textile donations from charities and commercial sources (i.e. nonprofits, thrift stores, hospitals, hotels and industrial laundries etc.). Others collect used textiles dropped off by the public via clothing collection bins conveniently located throughout communities. The items that can be reused as apparel are usually exported, typically to least developed and developing countries, where demand for affordable, quality clothing is especially high.
All sectors of the industry realize the benefits of being a part of an international trade association dedicated to serving and promoting this dynamic industry.
To advocate for the common interests of our members.
The Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association is a global organization of companies involved in the reuse and recycling of textiles and related secondary materials. “SMART” serves the common interests of its members through:
SMART is the leading industry voice promoting high standards and best practices for reuse and recycling of textiles and related secondary materials. Our members reduce solid waste, by collecting, reclaiming, and “close the loop” by processing, reusing, converting, and distributing these recyclables.
