The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) recently released information noting that textile consumption has roughly doubled over the past two decades. The accompanying environmental impact has become increasingly prominent: within the EU, textiles have become the fourth-largest consumption area in terms of climate change impact, and third in terms of water resource use and land occupation.

This situation echoes the need for action emphasized in the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. The JRC states that it is supporting policy-making in the field of textile waste management through scientific research. Specific work includes defining the problem itself, clarifying its causes, manifestations, and consequences; and assessing the potential social benefits of setting an EU-level target for "preparing for re-use and recycling."

From an industry perspective, this research trend further indicates that the EU's policy framework for textile waste is shifting from strategic declarations to quantified targets and impact assessment. The indicator system around re-use and recycling, along with the measurement of social benefits, may become an important basis for subsequent legislation and member state implementation measures.

Source: Textiles · Originally published on 2026-09-20