In order to accelerate the development towards a circular economy, the non-profit network organization “Recycling European Union Social Enterprises (RREUSE)” calls on the European Union to list textile recycling as a priorities and emphasize the key role that companies should play in promoting recycling and reuse in the value chain.
In the report entitled “Vision for a New Fashion Season: Social and Circular” (Vision for a New Fashion Season: Social and Circular), the group pointed out that, The number of low-quality textiles put into the market continues to increase, and they are not suitable for recycling and reuse. This is the main factor that undermines the current economic model of second-hand textile management.
In the next few years, due to the update of EU waste laws, there will be many major changes. For example, from 2025, EU member states must carry out classified recycling of textiles. However, RREUSE said that while improving the quality of ready-made garments and solving the consumption level and cost issues of non-reusable textiles, mandatory sorting and recycling will add many challenges at the economic level and destroy the reuse business model.
The report mentioned: In this rapidly changing environment, it is obvious that producers’ responsibilities for financing reforms towards a circular economy must be greatly enhanced. It is also clearly stated that the future legal framework for the textile industry, including the use of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), must clearly support and recognize the key role of social enterprises in the management of second-hand textiles to safeguard re-use. ) activities and related social benefits.
These social enterprises provide services such as reuse, recycling, tinkering, innovation or impact measurement and transfer revenue and profits to Invest in upskilling, innovative jobs and training opportunities.
According to RREUSE data, global clothing production doubled from 2000 to 2015, increasing from 50 billion pieces to 100 billion pieces in less than one year. Here, more than 50% of “fast fashion” clothes are discarded.
On average, European recycled textiles have a local reuse potential of 5-15% and an international market reuse potential of at least 30-40%. Another 30-40% is recycled and 10-15% is discarded.
RREUSE said that the current business model based on fast fashion should be eliminated and resource usage efficiency should become the new norm. It also recommends promoting textile recycling by social enterprises as an essential part of circular value chains.
This report provides some suggestions for the EU:
1. In the new “Circular Economy Action Plan” (Circular Economy ActionPlan), making textiles a priority.
2. Develop a textile action plan setting out specific measures for waste prevention and producer financing.
3. According to the new “Waste Framework Directive” (Waste Framework Directive), conduct an impact assessment on the classification and recycling of textiles.
4. Create a professional working group on the textile supply chain by potentially expanding the scope of the European Commission’s Textile Names and Labeling Expert Group.
5. Continue to improve social and green public procurement, focusing on textile recycling and management services.
6. Adhere to the transparency of the textile chain from production to reuse and recycling.
