#Paris #France #Reju #Textile Waste #European Coalition

A New Era for Textile Industry: Embracing a Circular Economy

On October 15, 2025, an alliance named the European Circular Textile Coalition, spearheaded by the company Reju, publicly launched its manifesto advocating for the establishment of a circular textile economy in Europe. This coalition, consisting of 11 prominent entities from the textile sector, is on a mission to transform textile waste into a resource for eco-friendly jobs, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Each year, Europe generates a staggering 12.6 million tons of textile waste, with most of it relegated to landfills or burned, and a mere 1% being recycled into new products. The coalition asserts that this situation is no longer tolerable, calling the current scenario a solvable challenge of our generation. Their manifesto articulates a clear stance: "We refuse to accept textile waste as an inevitability."

Urgent Call for Action

The coalition urges the European Union (EU) to take prompt action to align regulatory frameworks with investments in recycling systems and production. The manifesto emphasizes that without the necessary system readiness, even the most progressive regulations are at risk of falling short. They aim to bridge this gap through collaborative efforts.

To foster change, the coalition identifies three primary policy directions:
1. Enhancing Competitiveness: Revitalizing the European textile value chain by relocating production to adhere to environmental and labor standards.
2. Prioritizing High-Quality Recycling: Transitioning consumer textile waste into a primary source of raw materials for new textile items.
3. Mandatory Standards: Implementing obligatory regulations concerning the inclusion of recycled materials in textile products, with ambitious yet feasible targets executed in phases.

The Role of Reju

Reju is a material recycling company focused on developing groundbreaking solutions for regenerating polyester textiles and consumer PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies, Reju employs technology developed by IBM Research to unlock infinite possibilities within resource limitations. Their objective is to devise a global circular system for textile recycling, ensuring a continuous cycle of regeneration and reuse for polyester fabrics.

Patrik Frisk, the CEO of Reju, emphasizes that significant changes can only occur through cooperation. “That’s why this coalition is so vital; it unites the industry for collective action, and we invite other companies to join our cause,” he stated. Frisk insists that voluntary initiatives are insufficient and that binding standards are crucial to stimulate sustainable demand for recycled materials.

The coalition will launch an advocacy tour to engage politicians and has invited all stakeholders in the textile supply chain to join their mission. “Now is the time to act — if a waste-free world is possible, we cannot afford to wait!”

An Indispensable Movement

The European Circular Textile Coalition is more than just an advocacy group; it stands as a call to arms for the entire textile industry. With members representing each tier of the textile supply chain, entities included are Reju, Resortecs, COLEO, Tissage de Charlieu, Synergies TLC, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, Sympany, European Spinning Group, Ariadne, Erdotex, Utexbel, and Noyfil. Together, these organizations are committed to fostering a sustainable future for the textile industry where waste is minimized and resources are optimally utilized.

The road ahead is filled with challenges, but with collective action and the right policies, the dream of a circular textile economy can become a reality. For more information on their initiatives and efforts, you can visit Reju's official website.