Textiles
Applying the circular economy to textiles can reduce the environmental and climate impacts of the world’s second most polluting industry while maintaining its economic and social benefits. Circularity examines the textile supply chain from fibre production, through product manufacture and use, to post-consumer management, such as the choice of second-life materials and research into methods facilitating the reuse and recycling of textile waste.
Current sector scenario
Fibres produced annually for clothing, less than 1% is recycled in a closed loop
Of global emissions caused by clothing and footwear production
of clothing ends up in landfill or is incinerated at end of life
European directives and targets for the circular economy in clothing
- EU strategies on sustainable textiles. Textiles are identified as a central sector through which the EU can pave the way for a carbon neutral and circular economy
- Alignment with new sustainability policies .Such as the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU’s New Industrial Strategy 2020
- Agenda 2030 The UN’s 12th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aims at the development of responsible consumption and production systems
Why is it important for the textile industry to go circular?
The textile industry is of fundamental importance to our lives and societies. It is one of the largest globally and produces a wide range of products that are used in many sectors.
However, the way and rate of production and use of textile industry products cause significant negative environmental, climatic and social externalities, such as the consumption of resources, land and water, and the release of chemical pollutants. Embracing the principles of the circular economy means addressing all these critical issues, while at the same time achieving numerous strategic business advantages such as:
- The attraction of SRI capital and new talent,
- The acquisition of a target group of green consumers.
- An early adaptation to the increasing regulation of the various areas of sustainability management and communication, as outlined for example in the EU Sustainable Textiles Strategy.
How to create a more circular textile industry?
- out the use of harmful substances and the release of microfibres into the seas;
- Move away from the increasingly disposable nature of clothes by transforming the way they are created, marketed and used, including through consumer awareness campaigns.
- Adopt new service models that promote reuse and repair practices and increase the textile sector’s recycling rate;
- Use resources efficiently and move towards renewable sources.
Virtuous examples of a circular textile industry
Some companies have turned wine production waste, such as the fibres and vegetable oils found in grape marc, into 100% vegetable leather. The leather thus produced is characterised by low production costs, easy processing and high quality. Unlike traditional leather, it does not require water and oil to be processed and has no negative impact on ecosystems, as it does not use polluting chemicals.
Some companies have turned wine production waste, such as the fibres and vegetable oils found in grape marc, into 100% vegetable leather. The leather thus produced is characterised by low production costs, easy processing and high quality. Unlike traditional leather, it does not require water and oil to be processed and has no negative impact on ecosystems, as it does not use polluting chemicals.
Some companies have succeeded in reusing citrus production waste to create a biodegradable yarn. For its production, they use the waste from the pressing of citrus fruits, of which Italy has a large supply and whose annual production is estimated at around one million tonnes.
How to solve the problem of plastic in the oceans? Some companies have succeeded in making a new plastic product from the same material by recycling waste collected at sea (old fishing nets, other discarded nylon and bottles). One example is the creation of a swimming costume by recycling 11 bottles.
Starting from raw material acquisition, through textile production to product disposal, Circularity can help you reconceive the production model of your textile company in a sustainable way. We support you in the valorisation of non-recoverable waste, the sustainable use of resources and the implementation of environmental protection activities.
Thanks to our presence in the Innovatec group, leader in clean-tech in Italy, we can accompany your company in the implementation of all those projects that will be identified as beneficial for your sustainability, from the installation of energy self-generation plants to the recycling of textile waste.
Need more information?
Contact us to find out how Circularity can help your textile/clothing company adopt the principles of the circular economy. Our experts will accompany you along the entire journey, offering an all-round service.
