#Netherlands #Reju #Sittard-Geleen #Clothing Recycling #Consumer Attitudes

Understanding Dutch Consumer Attitudes Towards Clothing Recycling

Recent research conducted by Reju™, a leading textile regeneration company, reveals significant insights into the attitudes of Dutch consumers regarding clothing recycling. The survey, which included over 1,000 participants, highlights a strong desire for recycling practices while exposing gaps in consumer trust regarding the effectiveness of these systems.

Recycling Importance and Consumer Trust

According to the survey findings, an impressive 82.7% of Dutch consumers consider the recycling of clothing important. However, this high percentage does not translate into confidence in the actual recycling processes. Less than half of the respondents believe that the clothes they donate are truly recycled. This skepticism appears to be a significant barrier preventing greater consumer engagement in recycling efforts. Remarkably, nearly half of the respondents indicated that they would recycle more if they had more faith in the recycling systems in place.

Conscious Consumerism

The study also found that Dutch consumers generally regard themselves as responsible shoppers. More than 80% of participants reported that they primarily purchase clothing meant for frequent use (80.9%) or long-term wear (82.8%). Impulsive buying seems to be minimal, with only 8.6% admitting that they are likely to buy clothing on a whim. Additionally, just 17.5% of respondents indicated that they buy clothing for specific occasions, while almost 58% deem such purchases unlikely.

Donation vs. Resale

When Dutch consumers no longer wear their clothing, they frequently choose to donate it. Over 75% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to donate their clothing through collection programs. These collection systems play a crucial role in integrating textile waste back into a circular system, thereby reducing the likelihood of garments ending up in a landfill or being incinerated. On the contrary, selling clothing through second-hand platforms remains significantly less popular. Only 15.1% of participants reported selling clothes through these outlets, and merely 11.6% are likely to discard clothing in their household waste, with over 73% finding it unlikely.

Barriers to Circular Behaviors

Despite many consumers expressing a willingness to engage in more sustainable clothing practices, doubts about the efficiency of existing collection and recycling systems persist. A significant number of respondents were uncertain about whether collected clothing receives a second life, and many lacked clarity about the roles of various stakeholders in the textile value chain.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, stated, "The results indicate that consumers are willing to adopt more sustainable clothing habits, but transparency and trust are crucial for supporting circular behaviors." Reju is committed to fostering a more transparent and circular value chain within the textile industry, aiming to provide consumers with a clearer understanding of what happens to discarded textiles. The company’s future facility in Chemelot is designed to enhance this circular system.

The Path Forward

The findings suggest a significant opportunity for industry stakeholders to build trust with consumers regarding the recycling of textiles. By elucidating the processes involved with discarded and collected textiles and investing in innovative recycling technologies, the circular textile value chain can be strengthened. Reju’s goals extend beyond recycling to creating a global textile recycling system that encompasses regeneration and circulation of polyester textiles.

About Reju

Reju focuses on developing innovative solutions for the recovery of polyester textiles and PET waste arising from consumption. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology derived from IBM research, Reju aims to unlock infinite possibilities within finite resources. More information is available at Reju's Website.

About Technip Energies

Technip Energies is a global technology and engineering company, leading in LNG, hydrogen, ethylene, sustainable chemistry, and CO2 management. Their collective business segments, technology, products and services, and project delivery transform innovation into scalable industrial realities. With over 18,000 employees in 35 countries, Technip Energies is committed to connecting prosperity with sustainability for future generations. In 2025, the company recorded revenues of €7.2 billion and is publicly listed on Euronext Paris.

Survey Details

The survey was conducted in April 2026 by Multiscope, a Dutch market research agency specializing in online consumer behavior research. A total of 1,006 Dutch consumers participated, comprising 52.2% women and 47.8% men, with age distribution reflecting a diverse demographic range.