ACT Featured on the Circular Economy Podcast

ACT joins the Circular Economy Podcast, with founder Elmar Stroomer sharing how local textile recovery in Kenya and Nigeria creates reuse, upcycling, and new opportunities.

Catherine Weetman spoke with Elmar Stroomer, founder of Africa Collect Textiles, on the Circular Economy Podcast. The conversation explores how ACT collects used textiles in Kenya and Nigeria for reuse, recycling, and upcycling.

Elmar shares how his background in circular design and his years living in Kenya and Uganda helped shape ACT’s work and growth. Today, ACT operates more than 40 collection points in Nairobi and Lagos, distributes free and affordable clothing to underprivileged communities, and provides employment to over 50 people who collect, sort, and upcycle fashion waste, used uniforms, and off-cuts into new products such as rugs, backpacks, and toys.

The episode also looks at how imported fashion waste from the global north has affected Kenya’s textile sector, and why ACT is focused on creating circular systems for locally produced textiles. Elmar discusses several initiatives, including repurposing workshops, services for resellers, and new ways of using end-of-life clothing in local businesses.

Listen to the episode

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Apparel Insider Reports on Second-Hand Clothing in Kenya

November 18, 2022
Apparel Insider features ACT in a report on Nairobi’s used clothing markets and the growing impact of second-hand imports on Kenya’s textile landscape.

ACT’s first impact report 2023

May 31, 2024
ACT releases its first Annual Impact Report, showcasing how local textile recovery systems create circularity, save resources, and generate green jobs across Africa.

ACT at the UN International Day of Zero Waste 2025

April 3, 2025
ACT joined the UN International Day of Zero Waste to spotlight textile waste in Africa and show how circular solutions can turn discarded textiles into lasting value.
Scroll to Top