Accelerating Textile Circularity: Key Takeaways from EuRIC’s “Threading Up Europe’s Textile Circularity” Event
On March 27th, Ellie was present at the event held by EuRIC – The European Recycling Industries in Brussels titled “Threading Up Europe’s Textile Circularity.” The event brought together over 130 participants, including leading voices from EU institutions, sorters, recyclers, manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, academics, and circularity experts. Their goal? To explore how to accelerate circularity in the textile sector and bridge the gap between policy and industry.
Although perspectives varied, one clear message resonated across the room:
The time is now to establish fair market conditions and harmonized rules that will drive a truly circular textile economy through reuse and recycling.
EuRIC highlights the need for systemic change in the textile sector
EuRIC, the European federation of companies active in textile reuse and recycling, stresses that achieving circularity requires a fundamental shift away from the current linear model of overproduction and overconsumption. Transitioning to a circular economy is essential to reduce the ecological footprint of the textile industry.
Key Highlights:
Environmental Benefits of Reuse: Reusing clothing has 70 times less environmental impact than producing new clothes. This leads to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and water consumption.
Challenges for Textile Sorters: Textile sorting centers in Europe are under increasing pressure due to rising costs and declining sales. Without immediate action, these centers could become financially unsustainable, leading to increased incineration and disposal of valuable textiles.
Need for Policy Intervention: EuRIC advocates for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles in the EU. This policy would make producers responsible for managing textile waste, encouraging them to design more sustainable products and contribute to funding recycling infrastructure.
Urgency of Systemic Change: A paradigm shift is needed toward a circular and fair textile sector. This involves reducing overconsumption and promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Event Recap:
The event began with a presentation by Mariska Boer, President of EuRIC’s Textiles Branch, outlining EuRIC’s manifesto and key recommendations for achieving textile circularity by 2030. These include:
Karolina D’Cunha, Acting Head of the Waste to Resources Unit at the European Commission, reaffirmed that the transition to a circular economy remains central to EU policies, particularly through initiatives such as the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Clean Industrial Deal (CID). She emphasized the need to create a level playing field between virgin and secondary raw materials while establishing a unified market for waste.
Lars Fogh Mortensen (European Environment Agency – EEA) presented findings from the latest EEA briefing, highlighting that achieving the EU’s textile strategy requires a shift toward higher quality, longer use, and increased reuse, repair, and recycling.
Industry challenges and opportunities
Panelists examined some of the most pressing issues affecting the sector, including:
The Rise of Fast Fashion & Online Retail – Rasmus Nordqvist (MEP, Greens/EFA) underscored the pressing need for regulations to address fast fashion and online platforms that drive excessive production and waste.
Ensuring Consistency in EPR Systems – Jana Hrčková (Decathlon) emphasized the necessity of aligned Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across the EU, alongside increased financial support at both national and European levels to enhance textile recycling infrastructure.
Gaps in the Recycling Market – Bertram Wevers (Frankenhuis) highlighted the mismatch between available recycling technologies and the insufficient demand for recycled textiles. He stressed the importance of expanding beyond fibre-to-fibre recycling to a more comprehensive circular strategy.
Advancing Digital Solutions for Circularity – Debbie Shakespeare (Avery Dennison) discussed how RFID and data tracking technologies can streamline the Digital Product Passport, enhance supply chain efficiency, and optimize sorting operations.
Navigating Global Trade & Regulations – On an international scale, Dr. Hannah Parris (University of Cambridge) advocated for reforming textile trade codes (HS Codes) to better reflect circular economy principles. Chiel Berends (European Commission) emphasized the urgency of strengthening international cooperation and regulatory frameworks, including incorporating textile waste into the Basel Convention.
Funding the Shift to Circularity– Ana Rodes (Recover) and Martin Böschen (TEXAID) underscored the need for transparent customs guidelines and financial mechanisms, such as EPR schemes, to secure funding for textile waste processing and recycling efforts.
Competing with Global Market Forces – Mustafa Sattar (Retex Global) raised concerns about unfair market dynamics, particularly competition from China. He emphasized the importance of better data collection and market analysis to address these economic challenges effectively.
The road ahead: collaboration & action
The event closed with a collective call for stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and global partners. Achieving a truly circular textile economy requires:
✔️ Clear and harmonized regulations
✔️ Stronger demand for recycled materials
✔️ Fair competition and global trade rules
✔️ Investment in recycling infrastructure and innovation
Despite the challenges, the commitment from both industry and policymakers offers hope for real progress. The time for action is now.
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