The European Textile Coalition's Bold Call for Action
The European textile industry faces a significant challenge with over
12.6 million tons of textile waste generated annually. Alarmingly, the vast majority of this waste is either sent to landfills, incinerated, or exported, with a mere
1% recycled into new garments. In a decisive move towards sustainability, Reju, along with
11 other key players in the textile value chain, has launched the
European Circular Textile Coalition. The coalition's manifesto, presented on October 15, 2025, vehemently advocates for a complete transformation of the textile industry towards a circular economy.
The manifesto emphasizes that the current state of textile waste is unacceptable, stating, "We refuse to accept textile waste as an inevitable reality; instead, we regard it as a solvable challenge that our generation must tackle." The coalition is urging the European Union (EU) to take urgent actions that not only involve robust regulations but also substantial investments in recycling and manufacturing systems.
To inspire an industry-wide shift, the coalition outlines three fundamental policy pillars:
1.
Competitiveness of the European Textile Chain: The coalition demands that textile production be relocated closer to European shores. This shift aims to comply with environmental and labor standards, ensuring a return to responsible manufacturing practices.
2.
High-Quality Textile Recycling: The initiative seeks to establish a framework prioritizing the recycling of post-consumer textiles. Transforming this waste into the primary raw material for new textiles is essential for achieving sustainability goals.
3.
Mandatory Recycled Content: The coalition calls for the implementation of ambitious yet realistic targets for recycled content in textiles, introduced gradually to allow the industry to adapt effectively.
Patrik Frisk, the CEO of Reju, emphasized the necessity of collective action, stating, "Reju is a company that drives systemic change, and we firmly believe that this change occurs through collaboration. Thus, it is crucial to foster collective progress as an industry working together. We welcome more companies to join our mission." He warned that voluntary efforts have proven
insufficient, advocating for binding regulations to bolster the demand for recycled materials.
In addition to the manifesto, the coalition is embarking on a promotional tour aimed at engaging policy-makers and encouraging stakeholders throughout the textile value chain to join their movement. Their rallying cry captures the essence of their mission: "Now is the time to act because a world without waste is possible, and we cannot afford to wait!"
About the European Circular Textile Coalition
The coalition comprises various industry players, including
Reju, Resortecs, COLEO, Tissage de Charlieu, Synergies TLC, Nouvelles Fibres Textiles, Sympany, European Spinning Group, Ariadne, Erdotex, Utexbel, and Noyfil, all united for a sustainable future in textile production.
About Reju
Reju is a pioneering materials regeneration company focused on developing innovative solutions for recycling polyester textiles and post-consumer PET waste. With support from
Technip Energies and technology driven by
IBM Research, Reju is dedicated to uncovering infinite possibilities with finite resources and aims to create a global circular recycling system for textiles. For more information, visit
Reju’s official website.