LSJH Sorting Center Operations: Certified textile feedstock

At the LSJH Sorting Center, experienced, educated and skilled specialists carry out material-based sorting. Each garment is 100 % manually sorted to ensure customized material content. Since 2023, our processes and products have been Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certified, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices.

Given the fragile nature of many organic materials in post-consumer textiles, it is crucial to manage textile waste streams carefully. This ensures timely, optimal, and controlled processing at the LSJH Sorting Center, maintaining the integrity and quality of the materials.

Sorting in three stages

Pre-Sorting: Pre-sorting takes place locally near the collection points. This stage involves removing any contaminated, dirty, moist, moldy, or odorous textiles and non-textile materials. This initial screening ensures that only suitable textiles proceed into the next sorting phase.
Re-Use Sorting: After pre-sorting, textiles that are still in good condition for reuse or repairing are separated. These items are either directed to the reuse and upcycling textiles market, or organized for consistent availability, promoting local second-hand sales and minimizing waste. This ensures that only materials fit for recycling processes advance to the next stage.
Material-Based Sorting: In the final sorting phase, end-of-life textiles are 100 % manually sorted into separate fractions based on their fiber content, color, structure or according to custom specifications.

Do you have some further questions regarding post-consumer textile collection or sorting?

LSJH Post-consumer Textiles - Not Included

Textiles in good enough condition to be reused, such as those suitable for second-hand sale or donations.

End-of-life textiles from commercial entities, including uniforms, hotel linens, and customer returns.

Pre-consumer (post-industrial) textile waste, such as warehouse deadstock, production side streams, or excess, unsold textiles.

LSJH Post-consumer Textile Collection Guidelines - Accepted Items

End-of-Life Textiles Only: We accept textiles that are no longer suitable for regular use but can be recycled.

Condition Requirements: All textiles must be dry and clean upon submission.

Clothing Items: Including jackets, trousers, skirts, and shirts.

Home Textiles: Sheets, towels, curtains, and tablecloths.

LSJH Post-consumer Textile Collection Guidelines - Not Accepted items

Reusable Items: Clothes and household textiles still in good enough condition for reuse.

Odorous Textiles: Items with strong odors from sweat, mold, perfume, or washing detergents.

Contaminated and Dirty Textiles: Any textiles that are dirty, moldy, wet, heavily stained, or contaminated with insects, pests, or their remains.

Specific Items: Underwear, socks, tights, shoes, bags, belts, accessories, leather goods, furs, and down goods.

Bulkier Items: Carpets, pillows, blankets, padding, and toys.

Nationwide Separate Collection Initiative

Since 2015, LSJH has spearheaded the development of a nationwide infrastructure for collecting end-of-life textiles across Finland. Today, this integrated network extends to 97% of the country, serving 5.3 million residents. Local waste management companies manage the collection of household textile waste within their regions, employing various operational models. Collection points are strategically located at sorting stations and partner facilities.

Since spring 2021, all pre-sorted end-of-life textiles collected by a national network across Finland have been transported to Turku for final quality verification. After initial processing, these materials are sold to manufacturing partners for mechanical, chemical and thermal processing.

In compliance with Finland’s legal separate collection requirement established in 2023, twenty-nine local waste companies collaborate to implement this national model. They ensure that household textiles are collected and pre-sorted locally before being consolidated at the LSJH sorting center in Turku for final, material-based sorting.

Given the fragile nature of many organic materials in post-consumer textiles, it is crucial to manage textile waste streams carefully. This ensures timely, optimal, and controlled processing at the LSJH sorting facility, maintaining the integrity and quality of the materials.

Do you have some questions or ideas regarding post-consumer textiles?