It is described as “ultra fast fashion”, which represents an industry where trendy clothes are manufactured as quickly and as cheaply as possible – but only to be replaced next week with new trendy clothes.
This market is dominated by Chinese companies such as Sheins and Temu. In a study by Greenpeace it was found that these types of clothing contain dangerous chemicals that violate EU regulatory limits.
Set the clothes on fire instead
Now Lumire’s second-hand stores have chosen to stop selling the clothes.
– As business operators, we must operate within the precautionary principle, says Jenny Widmark, head of sustainability at Luleå municipality.
Instead of selling the clothes, they will be burned and go to energy recycling. Luleå municipality is among the first to take measures like this, and according to Jenny, more municipalities are now getting in touch.
– Many people contacted us after they saw that we had made this decision. But the entire industry is discussing this issue, says Jenny Widmark.
The municipality has taken the decision not to resell the garments based on the chemical inspection and the consumer agency, which cannot guarantee the customers’ safety.