ETHICAL & SUSTAINABLE FASHION

 Life Line Clothing Malaysia (LLCM) SITE VISIT 

Lifeline Clothing Malaysia (LLCM) is a prominent company involved in the recycling of second-hand clothing and textiles. 

During our visit to LLCM, we first were required to meet at uni to take our attendance before we had departed to the factory. We had then departed and arrived at the venue around 9.30 am. 

Figure 1: Gathered in front of the premises. 

Figure 2: Briefing regarding safety precautions around the premises and a little insight about LLCM and its importance to the fashion industry and waste around the world. 

By recycling and reusing textiles, LLCM contributes to reducing waste and promoting sustainable fashion practices. This helps in minimizing the environmental impact of textile waste, which is a significant issue globally. They have about 1000 bins across Malaysia in stores like IKEA. LOTUS and TESCO. In this site visit, we are able to tearn how they recover their textiles. LLCM has zero waste to landfill and uses all the fabrics donated to them. They've been credited for environmental friendly purposes. 

THE PROCESS: 

Figure 3.

LLCM processes 25-80 tonnes of clothes everyday. The lorries collect the clothes from the collection bins in bundles and transport it to the factory. The highest collection done during the weekends is 270 Tonnes. The stocks that are ready to processed can be seen in the white gunny bags. They split the clothes in mans, women's and babies for easy handling. 

After sorting it out, the clothes are then weighed on a metal plate then the worker in charge records the mass. It then goes to their logistics office/ admin office which is located in Vietnam so that it wouldn't be easily tampered with, and figures don't get manipulated. 

The weighing device

Once it is weighed, it's bagged in the belt with the white gunny. Some are processes into fuel. 

It is sorted into over 560 different categories such as women's wear, T-shirts and so on. About 55% of the products go back into the market. 

If plastics, papers are found in the gunny bags, it is then separated to be recycled. 

Each person is assigned to a specific category at the sorting section. Categories such as denim, winter clothes, knitwear and so on. 

Outside the premises, a bunch of old luggages were found and it was said to have come from Singapore all brand new. Usually they have a shop that sells 5000 items. 

The luggages would be sold for RM10-RM50. 

After sorting into categories such as womens, mens, winter clothes and so on, they sort it out even more to be more precise. Some would be cut down and used as cleaning cloths. 

There are some usable items that have been donated which is still in good condition. These items are then sold in their shop during the weekend from prices RM5-RM20.

This is where they upcycle the donated items such as breaking down denim. Take down the zips and deconstruct it then reuse it for a different purpose. 

Some bags are made with scrap fabrics to create a design and denim. For the linings they often use lightweight fabric such as baju kurung.

In the bags, there's a scanner that tells what's the bag made out of and ways to reduce waste leading them to their website. 

LLCM had even collaborated with POS Malaysia wher they turned their uniforms into usable shoe bags.

They even deconstruct the embroidery labels and buttons from certain clothings. 

RESTORATION TABLE

They've even collected several pair of shoes and these shoes are then sold as brand new pair of shoes. Some of the soles are thorn hence, the workers at the restoration table will fix them and make is usable. 

Some are down cycled into wiping cloth, doormats or even decorative pieces using the weaving method. 

Items that are not suitable for resale or donation are processed for recycling. This involves shredding textiles to produce materials that can be used in industrial applications, such as insulation, stuffing for furniture, and cleaning rags.

Some items are repurposed into new products, contributing to the circular economy.

Usable second-hand clothing is baled and exported to countries in Africa, Asia, and other regions where there is a high demand for affordable, second-hand clothing.

The clothes are compressed and repackaged for distribution.

Some of the clothes are sold in their store in the factory. The store is only open during the weekend for business. The prices range from RM5 - RM30 or more depending on the products.

 

SUMMARY : 

Lifeline Clothing Malaysia operates a well-structured process that starts with collecting used clothing and textiles, sorting them based on quality and type, recycling unusable items, and distributing usable items both locally and internationally. This process not only supports environmental sustainability but also provides affordable clothing options to communities in need.