#None #Reju #Textile Waste #circular economy

The Call for a Circular Textile Economy in Europe

In a powerful move towards sustainability, the European Circular Textile Coalition has officially unveiled its manifesto, calling for the transformation of the textile industry into a fully circular system. This coalition, which includes Reju and eleven other key players in the textile value chain, emphasizes the crucial need for significant policy changes and investments to tackle one of the industry's most pressing challenges: textile waste.

The Current State of Textile Waste

Every year, Europe generates an astounding 12.6 million tons of textile waste. Alarmingly, most of this ends up in landfills, incinerators, or is exported, with a mere 1% finding its way back into new garments through recycling. The coalition’s manifesto argues that this situation is no longer tenable and must be addressed through decisive action from EU policymakers.

Manifesto Goals and Principles

The coalition's advocacy underscores a pivotal message: textile waste is not an unavoidable reality but a solvable problem. The manifesto outlines three key policy pillars aimed at revitalizing the European textile industry:

1. Restoring Competitive Textile Manufacturing: The coalition calls for revitalizing textile production in Europe. This move will not only create jobs but will also uphold environmental and labor standards that have been compromised in overseas production.

2. Enhancing Textile Recycling: Prioritizing high-quality textile-to-textile recycling is essential. By making post-consumer textile waste the primary feedstock for new textiles, the industry can significantly reduce its reliance on virgin materials and create a more sustainable cycle.

3. Mandatory Recycled Content: The manifesto advocates for setting ambitious yet feasible targets for mandatory recycled content in textiles. By phasing these requirements in over time, the industry can transition smoothly to a more sustainable model.

Patrik Frisk, CEO of Reju, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Reju is a system change company, and we believe that true change can only be achieved collectively. Voluntary efforts have proven insufficient; we need binding standards to see real progress.”

A Call to Action

The coalition is embarking on an extensive advocacy tour to engage with European policymakers, urging them to create regulations that support the development of circular textile business models. Brimming with optimism, the coalition declares: “Now is the time to act — because if a world without waste is possible, we cannot afford to wait!”

The participating organizations in this coalition span the entire textile value chain, including brands like Resortecs, COLEO, and Ariadne, among others. Together, they aim to raise awareness and galvanize support for the transition towards a sustainable textile economy.

About Reju

Reju is a pioneering materials regeneration company focused on innovative solutions for polyester textile regeneration and post-consumer PET waste management. Leveraging technology developed in conjunction with IBM Research, Reju’s mission is to unlock infinite possibilities with finite resources and to establish a circular system for textile recycling globally. More information can be found on their website at Reju.

Conclusion

The launch of the European Circular Textile Coalition marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of a sustainable textile industry. As Europe generates unprecedented levels of textile waste, the coalition's push for a circular economy offers a viable path forward, turning a pressing environmental challenge into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and a cleaner planet. The time for change is now, and with united efforts from all sectors of the textile value chain, a waste-free future is indeed possible.