#Sweden #Stockholm #circular economy #H&M Foundation #Textile Industry

H&M Foundation's Initiative for Circular Textile Economy

The H&M Foundation, in collaboration with Circle Economy, has released a pioneering report titled the Circularity Gap Report Textiles. This report seeks to navigate the textile industry towards achieving circularity and decarbonization, highlighting the pressing need for transformative action in the industry.

The document emphasizes that only a minuscule 0.3% of the 3.25 billion tonnes of materials consumed annually by the textile sector originate from recycled sources. Disturbingly, about 70% of the raw materials in this sector are derived from fossil-fuel-based synthetic fibers. These alarming statistics illustrate the urgent requirement for a shift in materials and processes within the textile industry.

The report advocates for the adoption of circular economy principles such as reuse, recycling, and slow fashion to significantly mitigate environmental harms associated with textile production and consumption. By prioritizing renewable fibers, increasing garment durability, localizing supply chains, and reducing production volumes, the industry can journey towards a more sustainable and circular model.

Christiane Dolva, Head of Innovation at the H&M Foundation, remarked, "We supported this report to provide the textile industry with actionable insights. It highlights the most impactful circularity efforts. While not a complete solution, circularity can drive meaningful change. We hope these insights will support industry-wide transformation, benefiting both people and the planet."

As part of its findings, the report outlines four key recommendations:
1. Transform the Industry: Tackle overproduction by reshaping production cycles and reducing resource usage.
2. Set Broader Environmental Priorities: Go beyond merely carbon reduction to include impacts on water ecosystems.
3. Ensure Social Justice in Circular Transition: Emphasize fair wages, decent working conditions, and equitable practices.
4. Coordinate Across Disciplines: Recognize that collective action in science, technology, policy, and finance is crucial for realizing a circular textile economy.

Hilde van Duijn, Managing Director of Circle Economy Foundation, hailed the report as a groundbreaking effort, providing the first comprehensive analysis aimed at measuring circularity within the textile sector. She asserted the necessity for solutions that overhaul the entire textile value chain towards a circular framework.

The findings of this report align with the ongoing efforts of the H&M Foundation, including initiatives like the Global Change Award, which accelerates innovations that benefit both society and the environment. The foundation also supports Saamuhika Shakti, a program targeting inclusive circularity in partnership with waste pickers.

Moving forward, the H&M Foundation intends to utilize the insights from this report to inform its philanthropic ventures, particularly in assisting the industry with its decarbonization goals. By identifying the areas where its resources can yield the greatest impact, the foundation aims to steer the textile industry on a more sustainable path.

For those interested in the complete findings of the report, it is accessible at circularity-gap.world/textiles. Contact details for further inquiries include Jasmina Sofić, Media Relations Responsible, reachable at +4673 465 59 59.