Debate contribution published in Jyllands-Posten on July 23, 2025.
Now, I'm not a lawyer specializing in intellectual property rights, but if we as circular companies are not allowed to say what we sell, the recycling industry will have a difficult time.
I have had a poster rejected where I mention the names of the brands we sell in my store, Grade A Copenhagen. The rejection is due to copyright.
Now, I'm not a lawyer specializing in intellectual property rights, but if we as circular companies are not allowed to say what we sell, the recycling industry will have a difficult time.
In any case, it will be difficult to create scalable and commercial alternatives to traditional, linear business models. This is remarkable – especially at a time when the climate agenda has never been more important, and when both consumers and politicians are demanding more sustainable solutions.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have experienced this. Our social media ads are regularly rejected, and our Instagram account has even been shut down for a period of time – simply because we mention the brands our customers demand and that we actually sell.
At Grade A Copenhagen we make a great effort to ensure that all our products are genuine. We comply with the Danish Consumer Protection Act and offer both exchange and return rights – just like any other professional company. In addition, we are in ongoing dialogue with both the Danish Fashion & Textile industry organization and relevant rapporteurs in the field to focus on the issue.
Here I call for clear guidelines and more flexible frameworks so that circular business models can compete on equal terms. Among other things, I have proposed a certification scheme where you can become an authorized dealer of various brands.
But it's going far too slowly. We work in a recycling industry that is already pressured by outdated regulations – such as used VAT – that make it difficult to grow and run a business on a large scale.
If something doesn't happen soon, I fear that only the so-called charity shops will survive - solely because they benefit from massive government subsidies.
