Sustainable impact with a high level of inclusive employment

With the primacy of people and labour over capital as a central value in the distribution of income, the social enterprise of textile recovery is indeed characterised by strong social and societal impacts.

According to estimates by RREUSE, textiles can create between 20 and 35 jobs for every 1,000 tonnes collected for reuse.

The members of TESS GEIE currently collect more than 71,000 tonnes of textiles annually, a reality that is constantly expanding and has great potential for development. Contributing to the effectiveness of public social policies and economic policies, in large part on the employment front, our social enterprises are seen as key actors in the fight against exclusion.

But this societal role goes much further. Indeed, our social enterprises are widely recognised as a bridge between various situations of socio-professional vulnerability and a successful return to the labour market.

This undeniable quality of social enterprise stems from a deep vocation and know-how to provide training in skills relevant to today's economy and, more crucially, to tomorrow's circular economy.

The box below highlights the social impact of TESS members.

The textile activity of TESS members currently employs 1259 people

These are divided between collection, sorting centres and shops

Of this total, 64% are in a situation of social reintegration