ReBorn (recycled plastic clothes hangers)

ReBorn recycled coat hangers (Wiltshire) have side notches for thin straps, middle notches for ties/belts, and reinforced bars for heavy trousers. Recycled plastic is not really good for clothing (as it still releases microplastics when laundered, so using them up in items like this is better.

You can recycle metal clothes hangers, and donate other ones to charity shops. Refuse hangers in shops if not needed, as 15 billion are produced in the world each year, with most thrown out after 3 months (8 billion go to landfill).

Environmental Issues with Clothes Hangers

As most are made with cheap plastic or flimsy metal, you can just imagine the landfill issues. Clothes hangers are everywhere – in our wardrobes, in hotel wardrobes, and most shops sell them along with clothes (eco brands tend to use cardboard hangers, especially with children’s clothing).

Around 85% of all clothes hangers end up in landfill. And they are one of the biggest waste problems for shops. Despite plastic bags being given all the attention, it’s likely there is the same scale issue with what one fashion designer calls ‘the fashion industry’s plastic straw’.

In the US, Re hangers are now replacing disposable plastic ones, again these are made from recycled materials. The company also sells slightly damaged hangers at reduced price, to avoid waste.

Fold Your Clothes?

A few years back, Marie Kondo’s book about minimalist homes was all the rage. You can visit her site to learn how to fold your clothes. Then in most cases, you won’t have need for clothes hangers!