OUR INTENTIONS WITH THIS PLATFORM
Sven Pedersen, Editor in Chief
Now is the time for some crucial decisions on circularity
When I first started out in the second-hand business almost 26 years ago, little did I know how it would influence and be such large part of my life. What started as a business idea has become a lifelong journey for fighting poverty and climate crisis and promote sustainability and circularity.
At HSFP we promote secondhand clothing as a sustainable fashion choice, a job creator, and a vital part of the circular economy. The profits from our secondhand clothing operations fund critical development projects worldwide. In 2023 alone, we donated nearly EUR 7 million to projects focused on tackling poverty, improving health and education, and strengthening civil society.
However, misinformation and restrictive regulations threaten this essential trade, particularly in the Global South where millions of people rely on it for affordable clothing and
employment. As an organisation that reinvests profits into development projects addressing poverty, health, and social empowerment, it is a natural extension of our mission to support efforts to promote accurate information and fair policies for the secondhand clothing sector. This sector not only provides affordable clothing and jobs but also extends the lifecycle of textiles, reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of fashion. Despite these clear benefits, misconceptions about secondhand clothing persist.
While I am the Editor in Chief for Reuse News, this does not mean that I am running this show. This is done by experienced journalists. I have the oversight, but the real work is driven by dedicated professionals who share a passion for sustainability, fairness, and economic justice.
What is Reuse News?
A news platform not only for the planet but also for us who live on it
Reuse News is a dedicated news website that highlights key developments, innovations, and challenges in the textile industry, focusing on production, reuse, recycling, and waste management.
Our ambition is to become a trusted and respected source of information and news for everyone working in the textile industry, NGOs, environmental advocates, public institutions, politicians, and other decision-makers.
We also want to be a source of inspiration and information for anyone passionate about sustainability and circular economy solutions.
Reuse News was started on the initiative of Humana Secondhand Fundraising Projects, but the ownership is now shared by several organizations within the secondhand industry and the aid movement. Our goal is to expand this network, welcoming more contributors, sponsors, and partners who share our mission.
To maintain the highest standards of credibility, Reuse News operates according to strict editorial and journalistic principles. This ensures that all content is fact-based, transparent, and independent, eliminating any doubts about bias or misinformation.
However, the starting point for Reuse News and the very reason for its launch is clear: the second-hand industry contributes to a circular economy that not only redistributes and extends the lifespan of clothing between continents, but also funds vital development projects that improve lives worldwide.
Despite these undeniable contributions, misconceptions and misinformation continue to threaten this industry, often leading to policies that could have devastating social and environmental consequences.
By championing facts, amplifying diverse perspectives, and promoting informed discussions, Reuse News aims to safeguard the future of the secondhand trade, for the benefit of both people and the planet.
First of March 2025
Advisory Board for Reuse News
Editorial Policy
Reuse News shall function as a news website reflecting events, developments and news in areas that concern or relate to production, reuse, recycling and destruction within the textile industry.
Reuse News shall be run according to editorial and journalistic principles. Here are some of the most important parts of this policy:
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All of our content is fact-checked by experts in the areas reflected
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We will always cite the source of our information, unless this source for some reason will remain anonymous. If so we will always be transparent about the the circumstances, without actually revealing the source.
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We do not believe in absolute objectivity. However, we will always try to be impartial and loyal to the story and the significance of the information it carries.
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We offer individuals subject to criticism in our stories the opportunity to comment.
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We will try to answer any questions adressed to us regarding our stories within a reasonable time
Thomas Lundkvist - Managing Editor
A once in a lifetime chance
I have been working in the media industry for nearly fifty years by now. For 25 of these years I operated as a reporter and producer and eventually as a manager and head of departments. Among other things, I started one of the most prestigious investigative tv-programs in Sweden. And then I decided to switch gears.
In line with the development of the internet, digitalization, information overload and fake news, my feeling was that the world outside the newsroom was in desperate need of journalistic and editorial methods and approaches.
This lead me to work with communication, organizational development, leadership and editorial content for organizations and companies. This was for them to be able to reach out with their actual contribution to society.
When I was asked to create a news platform for information about subjects related to the textile industry and also told that this platform should be based on journalistic principles, some of my prayers was actually answered. Finally, I thought to myself, someone has fully understood the importance of editorial principles when it comes to opinion forming. These principles, and the heartbreaking truth about so many aspects of the textile industry, made me humbly accept this challenge.
Editorial Staff
Sven Pedersen
Editor in Chief
Thomas Lundkvist
With 26 years of experience and work within the second-hand industry Sven more than qualifies as an expert and is therefore also our Editor in Chief.
Managing Editor
Stella Nyawira
Thomas has an extensive career as a journalist, manager and entrepreneur within the media business and communications.
Reporter
Stella Nyawira is a journalist and storyteller with a background in television and documentary production.
The Advisory Board
Members of the Advisory Board are all experts in textile and second-hand related issues. This board will expand over time and if you think you would be qualified as a member of the board, please contact us here
> Sven Pedersen, Editor in Chief
> Thomas Lundkvist, Managing Editor
> Kristjan Sigurjonsson, Filmmaker & Producer
> Teresiah Wairimu, Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya
> Atobrah Binkley Edward, Gen secr Ghana Used Clothing Dealers
> Martin Gitau, Mitumba Consortium Association of Kenya
> Cristofer Ståhlgren, Human Bridge, Sweden
> Nnago Tome, Used Clothing Dealers Association of Togo
Partners
Reuse News is funded by organisations active in clothing collection, second-hand trade and international development work, and the initiative was born out of a growing need to counter misinformation in this field.