Certex, the organization that offers a second life

Founded in 1992, Certex is a non-profit social economy enterprise and a charitable organization with a dual environmental and social mission. One of the largest textile sorting centers in Quebec, Certex, works in the recovery and recovery of new or used clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, toys and textiles. The organization employs about a hundred people with functional limitations.

RECOVERY AND REVALORIZATION

6,000 tonnes of textiles, the equivalent of two Olympic swimming pools, are diverted from landfill sites each year. 90% of the textiles received by the organization are recovered or upgraded:

• 10% of the textiles received are sold to the FripeShop , a thrift store operated by the organization, or are used to supply raw materials for local eco-designers, such as Myco Anna ;
• 60% of textiles in good condition are exported to developing countries;
• 15% of the textiles received with a component of at least 60% cotton or viscose that cannot be resold as is, are 100% recycled into industrial rags used by Canadian partners;
• 5% of synthetic textiles that cannot be resold are ultimately used in energy recovery to supply the kilns of a cement factory with a substitute for coal.

To date, 10% of the textiles received by the organization end their life in landfill sites, because it is impossible to recycle them. Research has led to the discovery of a way to reuse these unusable textiles and move towards zero waste, the organization's goal.

ANOTHER SOLUTION TO A POLLUTING INDUSTRY

The fashion industry is the second most polluting in the world. Strains of fungi identified in the laboratory have been able to biodegrade synthetic fibers in 90 days, whereas the natural cycle of elimination takes between 200 and 400 years. The result of this biodegradation of textiles gives a foam which can be used as a biofilter capable of purifying water or polluted soils by retaining and degrading hydrocarbons, heavy metals or even by mineralizing pesticides and herbicides. In addition, these strains of fungi are used to create products useful for the construction, sanitation, petroleum, medical care, automotive, packaging, and agricultural sectors.

In order to finance the industrial pre-test phase of this research project, Certex is organizing a benefit fashion show: “Les Décousus”.

ECO DESIGN FASHION SHOW "LES DECOUSUS"

The third edition of the “Les Décousus” fashion show will take place on April 25 at the Étoile Banque Nationale in Quartier Dix30 .

The fashion show, hosted by Alain Dumas, will showcase pieces made entirely from fabrics and accessories from the Certex recycling plant and created by local eco-designers.

Find Myco Anna , Cherry Bobin , Cravates Et Chichis , Damoiselle Lou , Geneviève Chloé Delage, Harricana , Kinsu , La Bête , La Boutique Champagne , Miss Cocotte and Pascale Viau .

All the creations paraded during the evening will be available for purchase following the parade.

A silent auction presenting unusual and highly prized lots will also take place during the cocktail reception preceding the parade.

VIP tickets (including the cocktail reception) : regular price $125

Regular ticket: regular price $50

Visit the event website to purchase your ticket or make a donation .

To donate clothes to Certex, find the drop-off point closest to you !

Reviewed by Catherine

COVER PHOTO: Credit Certex