Take-back concept for used workwear

Engel is introducing a take-back system for used work and business clothing in Germany. The system includes collection, sorting, recycling, and further processing of used textiles.

With Re:turn, Engel is launching a comprehensive take-back concept for used work and business clothing on the German market. After four years of successful operation in Denmark, the system was officially presented in Hamburg at the end of June 2026.

Take-back concept for workwear launched in Germany

The concept involves providing containers for collecting discarded clothing, transport, sorting, recycling , and reusing the recovered materials to create new garments. After four years of successful operation in Denmark, the official launch in the German market has now taken place. To mark the occasion, the company invited customers to the VIP lounge of Hamburger SV.

John Engel , Managing Director of the fourth-generation family-run company, explains: "Responsibility towards present and future generations is firmly anchored in Engel's self-image. Our actions are guided by four principles: integrity, resource conservation, circular innovation, and quality . Based on these principles, we have developed our Re:turn take-back concept, with which we aim to keep as many materials as possible in circulation. Together with our partners, we give discarded clothing, workwear, and corporate wear a second life through recycling ."

Comprehensive system for used textiles from various manufacturers

With Re:turn, Engel is taking another step towards a more circular textile industry . The system offers a way to responsibly recycle used or discarded clothing. It accepts garments not only from Engel but also from other manufacturers . Customers can thus ensure that their textiles are recycled at the end of their product life cycle.

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Used textiles are collected directly from the customer, weighed, and recorded via an online platform . If required, Engel organizes transport to partner companies responsible for sorting and recycling. The garments are mechanically processed, sorted into material fractions, and further processed for various applications.

Experience from Denmark shows that around two-thirds of all collected textiles are recycled – either into new fibers for yarns and fabrics or as insulation and filling materials for industrial applications. The actual recycling volumes achieved are documented and communicated to customers annually in a report.

An example of textile-based recycling was presented at the event in Hamburg: a work jacket and work trousers from Engel's Entire collection, which consist of twenty-seven percent recycled fibers from old textiles.

For the collection of used clothing, Engel provides bags and boxes from specialist retailers , which are collected and transported to partners for raw material recovery. Used textiles can be returned there.

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