The Textile Recycling Association (VHT) is the trade association for the textile recycling industry. The association was founded in 1949 and comprises over 30 members. Almost all Dutch sort companies of meaning and the larger charitable and commercial collectors of used textiles are connected. Additionally, affiliated companies engaged in the processing and recycling of used clothing, shoes and textiles. The VHT represents over 90% of the companies in this sector. This makes the VHT a good and convincing interlocutor for the central government, provincial and municipal governments, and other groups of interest.