We are flipping the script on textile waste.

Textile Rescue diverts end-of-life and surplus clothing from landfill, triaging each piece for its best next use, from redistribution to responsible recycling.

For Businesses For Charities For Individuals
Alsco Uniforms Alsco UniformsWashes charity-sector recyclables and sends end-of-life uniforms to us for recycling. Environment Network Manawatu Environment Network ManawatuSupporting Textile Rescue's growth and development. Butterfly Compassion Butterfly Compassion CommunityRedistribution of quality items to people in urgent need. Te Whare Koha Te Whare KohaRedistribution partner of quality items and initial working space collaboration. Mainfreight MainfreightProvides shipping of charity-sector recyclables to Textile Products. Palmerston North Street Van Palmerston North Street VanRedistribution partner of quality free clothing items through their King Street shop. Textile Products Textile ProductsOur recycler and manufacturer of Retex. hybrIT services hybrIT servicesOur IT support specialists, helping us to help ourselves through AI. after after.Handles items not currently accepted by our New Zealand recycler.
Our Mission

Solving New Zealand's textile waste problem, here at home.

New Zealand generates enormous volumes of textile waste, but unlike glass, paper, or plastic, there's been no coordinated effort built around recovering it. Textiles are complicated and labour intensive to prepare for recycling. So they quietly disappear: some to landfill, some shipped offshore, while most clothing-based rags you can buy here are imported.

Textile Rescue is working to change that. We want to find the best next use for every piece of New Zealand's worn-out and surplus clothing. Some items are redistributed to people who need them. Some become resources for local crafters. Some are prepared for responsible recycling into useful new products. And as new local recycling pathways develop, we'll be looking into them.

We believe we can do more together. When everyone does their bit, and then does a little to help someone else do theirs, it builds into something none of us could have made alone.

Whiria te tāngata.

Based in Palmerston North, built on community effort.

Who We Work With

Which hat are you wearing today?

For Business

Do you have end-of-life uniforms to recycle?
Or have unsold stock you need to move on?

Would you like to be able to offer your staff or customers textile recycling at your place of business?

Are you interested in recycled and recyclable packaging and signage?

There's more here than you'd think.
For Charities and Op Shops

Do you have surplus quality items you can't sell, or end-of-life textiles heading for the bin? We have several innovative ways of working with op shops, some can even create a small return.

Does your charity make clothing available to people for free or for koha? We might be able to help keep your supplies stocked up.

You need to check this out.
For Individuals

Do you have clothes to donate but all your local op shops are closed to donations? Or do you want to be sure that your donations won't end up in a rubbish skip if they can't be sold?

Are you looking for recovered resources for your creative projects?

Do you want to get into the mahi of textile rescuing in your area?

This page is for you.