#Warsaw #Poland #Reju #Textile Waste #circular economy

Embracing a Circular Economy in the Textile Industry

In a significant move towards sustainability, the European Circular Textile Coalition, spearheaded by the innovative company Reju, has launched a manifesto aimed at transforming the textile sector into a circular economy. This collaborative effort, uniting 11 key players from the textile supply chain, boldly declares that a world without waste is possible.

Every year, Europe generates an astonishing 12.6 million tons of textile waste, the majority of which ends up in landfills, incineration, or is exported overseas, with only a meager 1% being recycled into new clothing. This alarming statistic has galvanized the coalition to urge immediate action from European institutions, imploring them to view textile waste not as an inevitable burden but as a challenge that can be tackled by the current generation.

According to the manifesto, it is imperative for the EU to enact ambitious regulations that facilitate investment in recycling systems and production. The coalition emphasizes that without a systemic readiness, even the most forward-thinking regulations might prove inadequate. To promote necessary changes within the sector, three core policy pillars have been outlined:

1. Revitalizing the European Textile Chain: This entails bringing textile production back to Europe, ensuring that environmental and labor standards are adhered to. By fostering local production, the coalition aims to strengthen the competitive position of the European textiles industry.

2. Prioritizing Quality Recycling: The coalition advocates for a heightened focus on high-quality textile recycling. Hence, consumer textile waste should serve as a primary raw material for producing new textiles, thereby creating a sustainable loop.

3. Mandating Recycled Materials: It is crucial to implement regulations that require recycled content in textile production, with realistic yet ambitious targets progressively introduced.

Patrik Frisk, the CEO of Reju, emphasizes the importance of this coalition in enacting systemic change across the industry. He articulates, "Reju is committed to transforming the system, and we believe change is possible through collaboration. This coalition is vital for initiating widespread reform, and we encourage more companies to join us in this mission." He also points out that voluntary measures have fallen short, underscoring the need for binding standards to bolster the demand for recycled materials.

As the coalition embarks on a campaign to engage policymakers, it invites stakeholders from across the textile value chain to align with its vision. The message is clear: "Now is the time for action. A world without waste is possible, and we cannot afford to wait!"

The European Circular Textile Coalition includes Reju, Resortecs, COLEO, Tissage de Charlieu, Synergies TLC, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, Sympany, European Spinning Group, Ariadne, Erdotex, Utexbel, and Noyfil. By fostering collaboration among these entities, the coalition envisions a robust international textile recycling system, enabling the regeneration of polyester fabrics and the reintegration of textiles into circulation.

For more information on this vital initiative, visit Reju's website.