Japan’s FamilyMart gives old clothes new lease of life to reduce textile waste
Japan discards 560,000 tonnes of clothes yearly—FamilyMart fights back
FamilyMart, one of Japan's largest convenience store chains, has launched a trial program with secondhand retailer Bookoff Group to collect used clothing and household goods. Collection boxes have been installed in approximately 30 stores in residential areas of Tokyo. The initiative aims to tackle Japan's massive textile waste problem—an estimated 560,000 tonnes of clothing are thrown away each year, equivalent to about 70% of all new clothing supplied to the market.
Bookoff plans to sell some of the collected items overseas, including to Malaysia, while garments deemed unsuitable for reuse will be recycled into new fiber. The project is the first collaboration since Itochu Corporation, FamilyMart's parent company, formed a capital tie-up with Bookoff in February. FamilyMart already runs a food drive program in about 4,900 of its 16,400 stores nationwide, where customers donate excess household food for those in need. This clothing initiative extends that circular-economy approach to textiles.
- Collection boxes placed in 30 FamilyMart stores in Tokyo residential areas for used clothing and household goods
- Partner Bookoff will resell items domestically and export to Malaysia; non-reusable clothes recycled into new fiber
- Japan discards ~560,000 tonnes of clothing annually (70% of new supply); trial builds on existing food charity in 4,900 stores
Why It Matters
Convenience stores can combat fashion waste at scale, turning daily errands into recycling hubs.