Levi’s has introduced a second-hand fashion service and buy-back scheme, as it looks to operate more in line with circular economy values. 

Earlier this week, Levi’s launched Levi’s SecondHand, its first buy-back program allowing customers to purchase secondhand jeans and jackets on Levi.com while also giving customers the opportunity to turn in their worn jeans and jackets in Levi’s stores for a gift card towards a future purchase.

Under the buy-back system, sellers who bring their unwanted Levi’s denim to Levi’s stores will receive a $15-$25 credit for denim that can be resold and $30-$35 in credit for vintage denim. For Levi’s jeans that are too worn-out to be resold, the brand will offer the seller a $5 credit towards a future purchase and will proceed to recycle the garment.

All of these secondhand items will then be available on the Levi’s SecondHand marketplace microsite at affordable prices ranging from approximately $30-$100.

“Getting more use out of existing products is the single biggest move we can make toward a more circular and sustainable supply chain,” said Andy Ruben, founder and CEO of Trove, which will handle the logistics of Levi’s secondhand operation.

According to the denim brand, buying a used pair of Levi’s through SecondHand saves approximately 80% of the CO2 emissions and 700 grams of waste compared to buying a new pair of Levi’s.

The buy-back initiative is part of Levi’s aim to address the circularity of its products – old and new – and their impact on their environment.

Levi’s recently partnered with Swedish recycling textile technology startup Re:newcell to create its “most sustainable jeans”. The denim is made with 60 percent organic cotton and Circulose, Re:newcell’s breakthrough material that includes 20% recycled denim and 20% sustainably sourced viscose.

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief. She writes about lifestyle including sustainable and green living.