As part of its sustainability strategy, SPAR Slovenia is taking an active role in the circular economy and encouraging customers to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. In July, SPAR Slovenia, in partnership with Ekotekstil, added six new textile collection containers outside its stores. In October, they partnered with the social enterprise Knof to promote sustainable textile management.

The textile industry is reported to be one of the largest environmental polluters, alongside transportation, food production, and housing. In Slovenia, 17,000 tonnes of textile waste are discarded each year.* As a retailer selling textile products, SPAR Slovenia recognises its responsibility to manage textiles responsibly. SPAR Slovenia offers tips to customers to change their habits and treat textiles more sustainably, creating a better future.

Textile collection containers

In July, SPAR Slovenia partnered with Ekotekstil, a company that collects used textiles for reuse. At six SPAR stores, they set up collection containers for used clothing, footwear, home textiles, and fashion accessories. Ekotekstil receive all collected items for reuse or recycling. Since installing these containers, SPAR Slovenia customers have contributed around 10 tonnes of textiles.

Upcycling of textile products

In October, SPAR collaborated with Knof, a Slovenian social enterprise focused on developing and promoting waste-reducing solutions. Knof works with designers, utility companies, and research institutions to create sustainable lifestyle solutions for people, businesses, and communities. One key material is waste textiles, which they transform into recycled fashion in partnership with young designers and tailors. These upcycled products are sold in their boutique stores across Slovenia.

On 11 October, SPAR Slovenia hosted a sewing workshop at the INTERSPAR Hypermarket Park Center in Koper. Participants, guided by Knof representatives, transformed old textiles into new items. In October and November, at selected SPAR Supermarkets, Knof representatives distributed KNOFcycle boxes where customers could put their used textiles. In exchange, customers receive vouchers for Knof products. Knof categorises the collected items, with some being redesigned by young Slovenian designers and others recycled or disposed of responsibly.

Maša Šprajcar-Rančić, Head of Sustainable Development at SPAR Slovenia, said: “As a retailer that also offers textile products, we feel we have a responsibility to raise awareness about textile waste and provide sustainable options for our customers. By partnering with Knof, we aim to promote sustainable lifestyles while supporting Slovenian companies and strengthening the local economy. In our stores, we offer various sustainable alternatives, such as returnable glass packaging collectors and recycling stations for lamps and batteries, and we continuously add textile collection points. This way, we make it convenient for our customers to manage their waste in one place, saving time and reducing the need for additional trips, ultimately helping reduce the carbon footprint.”

Source: SPAR Slovenia

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About SPAR Slovenia

SPAR Slovenia, operated by ASPIAG (Austria SPAR International AG), was granted a licence by SPAR International to operate under the brand in 1991. ASPIAG is a subsidiary of SPAR Austria AG. SPAR Slovenia has become a key employer in the country, both through its corporate businesses as well as through licenses being granted to independent retailers to expand the brand further.