Recyclers unite to push textile-to-textile at EC level
Recyclers Circ, Circulose, RE&UP and Syre are spearheading a project - The ‘T2T Alliance - Powering Policy for a Textile-to-Textile Future’ - that will advocate for textile-to-textile recycling and push for its inclusion within the EU policy framework and beyond.
The process involves converting used or waste textiles into new textile products. Most recycled polyester in the market, for instance, comes from recycling plastic bottles.
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will introduce ecodesign requirements that mandate a significant increase in recycled textile fibres by 2028.
While the developments on the ESPR represent a milestone, the direction that policy discussions are currently taking will have detrimental effects on the growth of T2T recyclers, said the partners.
The Alliance is committed to:
- advocating for textile-to-textile recyclers’ perspective in EU legislation and policies
- supporting the development of new legal requirements mandating textile-to-textile recycled content and recyclability in new textile products in the context of the ESPR; and
- removing barriers that hinder the growth and scalability of the T2T industry.
Peter Majeranowski, CEO of Circ, said: "We applaud the EU for taking bold steps towards a more circular future, yet current proposals risk overlooking the practical realities faced by advanced textile recyclers. We can recycle challenging polycotton blends, but we need well-informed legislation to truly scale our impact."
Andreas Dorner, general manager RE&UP, added: “True circularity will only be possible if policymakers, brands and textile recyclers collaborate to remove barriers and build a system that prioritises textile-to-textile recycled content. At RE&UP, we work with partners across the supply chain to make next-gen recycled fibres a reality, but scaling this solution industry-wide requires a unified effort.
"We welcome any other T2T recyclers interested in proactively shaping the policy landscape afecting their operations to reach out."
