👉 Our employees emptied their closets to support life journeys, encourage reintegration, and extend the lifespan of hundreds of textile items. 💪
But what happens to these donations? And who are the people giving them a second life?
🎙️ We asked Coline Maniez, Director of Frip’Insertion, who takes us behind the scenes of a sorting center like no other.
What are the main steps after receiving donations?
First, a quick initial sorting is done to set aside items that are too damaged. Then, each item is manually assessed. Good-quality, season-appropriate pieces are stored to be sold in one of our two shops or online. Items that cannot be resold but have interesting material can be used in our solidarity sewing workshop, under our brand Atelier Regain, where they are transformed into new pieces.
How many kilos are sorted each week?
We process an average of 15 tons of textiles per year, which is about 1.2 tons per month. This represents several hundred kilos manually sorted by employees in reintegration. Volumes can vary depending on donations from individuals, partner Emmaüs communities, or special collection drives like yours.What percentage of donations are actually repurposed?
Around 30 to 35% of the textiles collected are repurposed within our own channels (physical and online shops). The rest is directed toward textile recycling streams. This proportion depends on the quality of the donations: the cleaner, intact, and season-appropriate the clothing, the higher the chance of a second life.
Which types of items are most useful or in demand?
Good-quality clothing, well-kept, clean, and especially seasonal. Timeless pieces, warm clothes in winter, light clothes in summer… these are the ones that move the fastest. On the other hand, we sometimes have to recycle winter clothes donated in spring due to lack of storage space.
How many people work or are in reintegration at Frip’Insertion?
We host 30 employees on integration pathways, working 26 hours per week, which represents 22.1 full-time equivalents. They are supported by a team of 13 permanent staff: technical supervisors, a social worker, an employment coach, etc.
What is the concrete impact for these people?
Our primary mission is integration. This initiative allows people far from employment to regain rhythm, regularity, confidence, and acquire concrete skills (stock management, logistics, sales, sorting, sewing, digital). We also help them overcome other barriers: housing, health, administrative procedures. It’s a complete social and professional restart.
Do you have examples of inspiring journeys?
Every kilo sorted is a kilo that doesn’t go to waste. By repurposing around 5 tons of textiles per year, we significantly reduce the pressure on textile waste. We also raise awareness about the quality of donations: fast fashion, mixed materials, and overly worn clothes greatly limit second-life or recycling options. Sorting is also a way to educate people to consume differently.
What is the environmental impact of textile sorting at Frip’Insertion?
Every kilo sorted is a kilo that doesn’t go to waste. By repurposing around 5 tons of textiles per year, we significantly reduce the pressure on textile waste. We also raise awareness about the quality of donations: fast fashion, mixed materials, and overly worn clothes greatly limit second-life or recycling options. Sorting is also educating people to consume differently.
🌱 Every action counts toward building a more supportive and sustainable world!
Website: Frip’Insertion – A second life for your clothes through a solidarity economy
Instagram: @fripinsertion
LinkedIn: (22) Emmaüs Solidarité: Présentation | LinkedIn
📍 Where to find them?
Head office: 23 boulevard des frères Godchot, 13005 Marseille
Frip’ National: 200 boulevard National, 13003 Marseille
Frip’ Centre Bourse: 17 cours Belsunce, 13001 Marseille
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