Green Hanger
A blog about the practice of sustainable coat hanger recycling
Welcome
at “green hanger”
a blog about sustainable coat hanger recycling practices.
For nearly three decades, I have been working in an industry that, at first glance, seems unremarkable—yet holds enormous potential: the reuse of clothes hangers. Since 1995, as managing partner of a European service company specializing in this field, I have been involved in the development of this industry, from initial trials all the way to professional recycling systems.
In this blog, I’d like to share my experiences: from everyday challenges and innovative solutions to successful reuse practices, as well as the economic and environmental benefits—and the limitations of the system. I’ll also take a look at external factors, such as current geopolitical developments, and ask: What opportunities might these present for a more sustainable future?
More Than Just a Piece of Plastic
A clothes hanger that is reused multiple times does not need to be manufactured multiple times. While this may sound insignificant, it adds up to a huge amount—over 750* million hangers find their way back into the apparel industry’s supply chains year after year, instead of ending up in the trash after a single transport. (*Estimate)
The real benefit lies where it isn’t immediately apparent—in the materials and energy saved, in the waste avoided, and in every metric ton of CO₂ that is never emitted in the first place. For me, that’s exactly what makes this industry so appealing: It operates behind the scenes, quietly and without a big stage, yet still has an impact that pays off—both for the environment and for the companies that get on board.
Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa
+ 250 million hangers reused annually
100% Traceable Processes
: Picking, Classifying, Supplying
“A clothes hanger doesn’t end. It starts all over again.”
Hermann Bode
The Hanger and the Big Picture
Reflections and perspectives from nearly 30 years in an industry that works quietly yet makes a big difference.
Who’s going to sort our hangers tomorrow?
Why Demographic Change Poses a New Challenge for Closed-Loop Clothing Hanger Systems
New Oil Pipelines—A Stable Oil Supply, Stable Prices for Clothes Hangers?
What impact will the new and planned detour routes have on the global coat hanger market? What does an oil […]
Cycling to Southeast Asia?
The cover photo is intentionally provocative. Of course, used hangers won’t actually be transported all the way to Southeast Asia […]
What does the future hold for reusable hangers?
The future of reusable hangers looks promising. This is true from both an economic and an environmental perspective. Of course, […]
Conversation leads to more
Much of what I write about in this blog began as real conversations—with people who are facing challenges similar to the ones you may be facing right now. If the topic of coat hangers is on your mind—whether from a technical, economic, or strategic perspective—I’d love to hear from you. Just send me a quick message!
From Conversation to Cycle
A better clothing hanger recycling system rarely starts with a finished plan—it usually begins with a conversation. These three steps show how that conversation can turn into a collaboration.
01
Exchange
Tell me where you stand on the topic of clothes hangers: how many you have, where you’re running into problems, and what your goals are. This is a no-obligation, confidential discussion.
02
Classification
Together, we’ll take a look at your current workflow and honestly assess where there’s realistic room for improvement—and where there might not be.
03
Improvement
Based on these insights, a concrete path emerges for making your business operations more cost-effective and sustainable, step by step.