There are many sensitive issues in the fashion industry. One of the biggest no-gos is definitely burning unsold clothing. It is reported again and again that major players in the fashion industry simply burn their unsold stocks. This way they save costs and protect their brand name from, for example, too low prices. This is the shocking reality. It also becomes fraudulent when these companies give themselves a sustainable, ecological veneer. But what about us, DillySocks? We have consciously decided against burning our socks - and want to tell you why this is the case and what we do instead.
The problem with burning clothes
You may have heard that large online retailers and fashion chains prefer to burn their unsold clothing rather than donate it or offer it at a reduced price. Why? From a business perspective, burning is actually often the cheapest solution. The storage costs for unsold products can be enormous, and burning makes room for new collections. It also helps companies avoid putting their clothing on the market at a low price, which could damage their brand image.
For DillySocks, this is absolutely not an option. Of course, we also have to think economically, but sustainability is our priority. In our view, burning clothes is not only a waste of valuable resources, but also a slap in the face for everyone who is committed to a more sustainable future.
We were given a choice – and we decided
DillySocks is not immune to the challenges of the fashion industry. As a sustainable sock label, we sell our products through various channels, including on the marketplaces of large e-commerce platforms. At some point we were asked the question: "What do you do with socks that don't sell or sell very slowly? Take them back to the DillySocks warehouse, just keep trying to sell the problem socks, or send these goods to be burned?" The "cheap" option we were offered was to have them burned? Out of sight, out of mind, in other words.
To be honest, the decision was very easy for us: burning is not a solution for us. "We won't burn our socks. And that's that!" As a sustainable company, we cannot take responsibility for that. Instead, we opted for the more expensive but more sustainable option - taking the socks back and giving them a new chance.
And what happens to the socks now? Our sustainable alternatives
Simply destroying socks that haven't been sold is absolutely not in line with our values. Instead, we have thought of some creative and sustainable alternatives to give these socks a new life. Here are our top 3 solutions:
1. Dilly Socks Outlet – Sell at discounted prices
An outlet is a good way to reduce unsold stocks and at the same time give our customers something inexpensive to buy. Socks that we have taken back from partner warehouses and generally our slow-selling items are offered at reduced prices in our Dilly sock outlet . Of course, this means less margin. What is more important to us than the margin is that the socks do not simply end up in the trash, but still serve a useful purpose - namely, keeping your feet warm and stylish!
2. Fashion upcycling – sock monkeys made from old socks
Why should you only wear socks on your feet? We thought that you could make a lot more out of old socks - for example, cool, sustainable cuddly toys . Together with a workshop for people with disabilities, we make our unique sock monkeys out of the unsold socks. This upcycling project is not only sustainable, but also supports a social institution. Each sock becomes a new, lovingly handmade cuddly toy that brings joy to both children and adults.
3. Donate – Do good with our socks
We believe that poor people should also enjoy our products. That's why we donate some of our unsold socks to charitable organizations such as Caritas Switzerland. This way, these socks find their way to people who need them and who hopefully enjoy them. We also support various events where our socks are used as giveaways or prizes. This means that our socks have a meaningful purpose right up to the last moment.
Why sustainability is so important to us
We live in a time where sustainability is not a trend, but a necessity. Climate change and the exploitation of natural resources make it imperative that companies take responsibility. For us at DillySocks, this means paying attention to every step of our business process to ensure that we waste as little as possible and protect our environment. Take a look here to see how we live sustainable fashion every day at Dillysocks.
This starts with the selection of our materials. Our socks are made of organic cotton and we ensure that our supply chains are fair and sustainable. But sustainability does not stop at production. We also have a responsibility when it comes to disposing of unsold products. That is why burning our socks is out of the question for us. We want to set a good example and show that there are other ways.
What you can do to act more sustainably
You may now be wondering what you can personally do to live more sustainably. Here are a few tips:
- Buy consciously: Think carefully about whether you really need a piece of clothing before you buy it. Pay attention to sustainable materials and production conditions. Make sure that your clothes are certified by GOTS or Cradle to Cradle, for example. These sustainability labels guarantee high standards.
- Avoid waste: If you have clothes you no longer need, donate them to charities or resell them. Upcycling is also a great way to give old items new life.
- Support sustainable brands: Companies like DillySocks are committed to a more sustainable fashion industry. By supporting such brands, you are helping the industry move in a greener direction.
Conclusion: We don't burn our socks, they get a second, third and fourth chance
At DillySocks, we have decided to take a sustainable path. Sustainability is one of our company values. Our goal is to become the most sustainable sock brand. And we think we are already doing well here. We do not burn our socks because we believe that every sock deserves at least a second chance. Whether in the outlet, as a sock monkey or in the hands of those in need - our socks always find a way to be put to good use. Because for us, it is not just profit that counts, but also the responsibility we bear for our planet and our fellow human beings.
Thank you for supporting us on this journey! Together we can make the fashion industry a little more sustainable - and ensure that the world becomes a little more colorful and better.