As explained in an article by EuroNews, Europe’s insatiable appetite for new clothes generates a staggering 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste annually. Whilst much of it ends up in landfills, burnt, or dumped in developing countries, a glimmer of hope shines in the form of “infinitely” recyclable textiles and a new European Commission scheme aimed at holding brands accountable.
The article paints a stark picture of our throwaway clothing culture, highlighting the mountains of waste accumulating in places like Ghana, where imported second-hand garments overwhelm communities. Matteo Ward, CEO of WRÅD, a sustainable design studio, emphasises the environmental and social costs of this endless cycle.
However, alternatives exist. Recycling facilities like Aquafil in Slovenia offer a glimpse into the future, transforming discarded nylon materials (fishing nets, carpets) into a versatile yarn called ECONYL, endlessly recyclable without quality loss. This “rubbish to treasure” journey demonstrates the potential of circularity in the textile industry.
The article delves into the technical side of ECONYL production, from the chemical recycling process that breaks down nylon waste into raw materials to the final spinning of fine yarn. Importantly, it emphasises the crucial role of product design in facilitating effective recycling. Garments riddled with mixed materials and complex construction pose significant challenges.
Recognising the problem, the European Commission proposes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. This initiative shifts the burden of managing textile waste onto brands, making them financially responsible for their products’ entire lifecycle, including disposal. Brands that produce more polluting items will face higher costs, incentivising them to invest in sustainable materials and circular designs.
Matteo Ward views the EPR scheme as a game-changer, potentially pushing brands to create durable, recyclable clothes, a practice currently lacking due to the absence of economic motivation. His personal journey from fast fashion insider to sustainability advocate underscores the need for systemic change within the industry.
WRAD’s work with schools and brands like Candiani Denim embodies the collaborative approach needed to address this complex issue. While technological advancements and sustainable fabrics offer exciting solutions, a significant shift in consumer behaviour is vital to truly reduce the impact of textile waste.
Now, how can we help you manage your stock?
At Tekstila, we work with fashion brands like yours, helping them to reduce the amount of unsold products in a legitimate, circular and profitable way. You can free up space in your shops and warehouses to make room for new collections, while recovering liquidity from unsold stock, so join us in the drive towards a circular economy!
We buy unsold stock at the end of each season directly from the brand and transfer it to the international market. Compliance with sales permit contracts for each brand and total commitment to confidentiality make us one of the leading companies in the fashion stock sector. By providing transparency and traceability in all our operations, your brand is always protected.
In short, at Tekstila we offer you an integrated system of services to help you manage your wholesale brand stock in the most cost-effective way. We’ll take care of everything so you can sit back and enjoy the ride – compliance with new legislative frameworks has never been easier! Explore fashion stocks with Tekstila, where expert insights meet market trends