The European textile industry is facing new challenges to reduce its environmental footprint.
The processes of textile recycling and circular economy in the textile sector have become work methodologies and fundamental tools for a sector that is in the adaptation phase to the new environmental legislation.
In Spain, the Law on Waste and Contaminated Soils seeks to combat climate change by promoting the circular economy and regulating the management of textile waste, bio-waste and hazardous household waste. For garment producers, it has been forbidden to destroy surplus fabrics, prioritizing the reuse and transformation of materials into raw materials. Producers of textiles, furniture, household goods and plastics for agricultural use not packaging will be responsible for the waste generated after they have left the store. The new standard also mandates the development of separate textile waste collection systems by 2025.
Given this scenario, the textile sector is in the middle of the research and implementation phase of new recycling methodologies and tools that allow achieving the circular economy objectives demanded by Europe by 2025. The economic resources and adaptability of the industry form a crucial role in the transition towards a circular society that seeks to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The environmental commitments set out in national and European legislation position the textile industry as an industry with challenges in terms of reducing its environmental footprint. It is these environmental commitments that make it promote circular economy initiatives, promoting sustainable business models based on recycling and the correct management of textile waste.
Currently, each European produces on average more than 15 kilos of textile waste per year and this figure is expected to increase to 20 kilos by 2030. Despite this, less than 1% of post-consumer waste is currently recycled to produce new textile products in EU countries and Switzerland. Most of this waste (more than 65%) is transported directly to landfill or incinerated, making the potential for textile recycling and the circular economy with garments even greater.
As expert environmental consultants in circular economy, at Ziclos Circular Economy we consider it of great importance to continue promoting and advising the areas of innovation and product development of the textile sector in order to achieve a more sustainable and profitable future for the textile sector globally.
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