American Eagle Outfitters (AE) is making it easier to donate–and replenish–clothes.
The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based retailer is expanding its “Live Your Life. Save Your Planet” initiative with I:CO, the global shoe and clothing recycling company, to all of its 823 stores across the U.S. and Canada.
In exchange for dropping off unwanted clothing, shoes and textiles in a designated collection box in each store, customers will be texted a code for $5 off a pair AE jeans.
Known for handling retailer and manufacturer overstocks, overruns, production samples and damaged goods, I:CO uses over 350 different criteria to determine how the items will be re-purposed. The company’s vision is for all products to be designed with future uses in mind so materials can be 100 percent re-used in a truly endless cycle.
AE’s initial pilot program with Stuttgart, Germany-based I:CO took place in the retailer’s corporate office and in just six stores across the country. The expanded AE roll-out is I:CO’s biggest North American launch to date. Its other retail partners that offer incentives for donations include H&M, Foot Locker, C&A and more.
Any proceeds from the AE program will be donated to the Student Conservation Association, aimed to foster the next generation of environmental leaders.