EuRIC’s Textiles Branch has launched a comprehensive manifesto, outlining critical policy recommendations to drive textile circularity across the European Union by 2030. The “EU Recyclers’ Manifesto” addresses the growing crisis of textile waste, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.
With EU citizens generating approximately 16 kilograms of textile waste annually, and only a fraction being properly recycled, EuRIC warns of the severe environmental consequences of continued landfilling and incineration. The manifesto underscores the unprecedented challenges facing Europe’s textile recycling sector, exacerbated by rising costs, diminishing demand, and the rapid proliferation of ultra-fast fashion.
EuRIC Textiles is calling for a multi-pronged approach, including extending the lifespan of textile products, significantly increasing the use of recycled textile fibres, and drastically improving textile recycling rates, which currently stand at less than 1% for new clothing.
To achieve these goals, the manifesto advocates for the implementation of key policy measures by the EU, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, ecodesign requirements, and the use of Digital Product Passports (DPP) to enhance consumer education. Additionally, EuRIC is pushing for EU End-of-Waste criteria, fair-trade practices, balanced chemicals legislation, and stricter compliance monitoring to ensure transparency and combat greenwashing.
