According to sustainabilitymag.com, DHL and Vinted are expanding their partnership in Germany as rising demand for second-hand fashion drives investment in circular logistics and low-emission parcel lockers.
Circular fashion gains ground
Consumer behaviour around fashion has changed in response to inflation and environmental concerns. According to research from Barclays, 38% of UK customers have purchased an item from a resale platform in the past year. Between 2000 and 2015, clothing production doubled while utilisation decreased, highlighting the unsustainable nature of linear consumption models.
Consumers aged 18-34 are driving increased footfall to thrift stores and charity shops, with resale platforms becoming their primary channel for wardrobe updates. Resale, rental and repair services are becoming more common across the sector. Urban Outfitters and Patagonia now offer upcycling services to customers, while M&S has a clothing resale partnership with eBay to extend product lifecycles.
Inflation has reduced disposable income, which could mean people are considering purchases more carefully. The combination of economic pressure and environmental awareness is creating a more thoughtful approach to fashion consumption. Online platforms allow consumers to clear wardrobes and receive money without adding to clothing waste.
Marketplace platforms expand reach
Platforms including Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, Depop and eBay have changed how trade operates between individuals. According to Barclays research, 19% of consumers are using platforms like Vinted to refresh wardrobes while managing costs.
The global second-hand market is valued at US$210-US$220bn with annual growth of 10%. Key market data points include:
- The market is growing 3x faster than the firsthand market
- One in four 16-24 year olds use resale platforms to save money
- Approximately 25% of all UK fashion transactions are second-hand
- Vinted now has more than 17 million users in the UK alone
According to the latest DHL ecommerce trends report, 67% of online shoppers in Germany have already sold items using an online marketplace, making it one of Europe’s most active markets for trade between individuals.
Expanding the locker network
The partnership combines Vinted’s platform reach as one of Europe’s largest peer-to-peer second-hand marketplaces with DHL’s nationwide parcel service network. The companies are using DHL’s locker network to make shipping and collection more accessible.
“Reselling used goods online has evolved from a niche activity to an everyday phenomenon within just a few years. As a result, expectations regarding shipping are rising. People buying and selling privately want shipping to involve as little effort as possible.” — Benjamin Rasch, Head of Sales and Products, Post & Parcel Germany, DHL Group
DHL operates 41,000 parcel drop-off and collection points across Germany, including parcel shops, automated facilities and post offices. The locker network is expected to grow from 18,500 to more than 30,000 locations by 2030.
Automated solutions serve consumer needs
The peer-to-peer marketplace depends on shipping services. According to the DHL ecommerce report, approximately 70% of respondents use automated lockers or parcel shops to ship items, whereas only 30% hand over goods in person. Parcel lockers offer flexibility for people wanting to resell or purchase clothes outside standard working hours.
“Tons of people in Germany use Vinted to give products a second life. This requires shipping solutions that fit seamlessly into everyday life. Thanks to DHL’s nationwide network and, in particular, its 24/7 accessible Packstations, our members can send and receive parcels with maximum flexibility.” — Dovilė Riškutė, Senior Director of Business Development and Operations, Vinted Go
For platform users, having flexible postage and delivery options is important. The partnership between DHL and Vinted could help consumers make more sustainable shopping choices, keeping products in use longer and creating more opportunities for upcycling rather than sending goods to landfill.
Source: sustainabilitymag.com
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
