Impacts of textiles and the role design and circular business models
The EEA briefing The role of design in Europe’s circular economy: Textiles and the EnvironmentProvides updated estimates textiles life-cycle impactsEnvironment and Climate
The briefing shows textiles ranked third in terms of other consumption categories in 2020. highest pressuresIt is the fifth most common use of water and land, and the fifth most prolific in greenhouse gas emissions and raw materials. An average person in Europe would consume 9 cubic metres of water, 400 sq metres of land, 391 kg (kg) of raw material, and leave a carbon footprint around 270kg. The vast majority (over 90%) of the emissions and resource use occurred outside of Europe.
The briefing also discusses how Design and circular business modelsReduce the negative effects of textile production and consumption by conserving the value of textiles, increasing their life spans and increasing the use of recycled materials. This requires business, technical, and social innovation. It also requires education, policy, and changes in consumer behavior.
Design is key to increasing the circularity of textile products. Circular designSuch as careful material selection, timeless appearance or garment multi-functionalityIt can be used to allow for Products can be reused and used for longer periods of timeIncreasing the textile’s life span. According to the EEA briefing optimising resource use and reducing emission at production stage would also help mitigate negative impacts. Better collection, reuse, and recycling of discarded textiles would also be beneficial.
Microplastic pollution can be reduced
Textiles are a major source for Microplastic pollutionMostly, this is through wastewater from washing machines, but also through the manufacturing, wearing, and disposal of garments. The EEA briefing Microplastics from textiles: Towards a circular economy in textiles in EuropeThis article examines this particular type of pollution and identifies three key prevention strategies: sustainable design and production; controlling emissions during use; and improved end-of life processing.
According to the EEA briefing Pollution could be reducedYou can do this by using alternative production methods, pre-washing garments at manufacturing locations with proper wastewater filtration, and so on. Other promising measures that could also be implemented or scaled up include the integration filters into household washing machines, the development milder detergents, as well as taking better care of garments. Furthermore, textile waste collection and wastewater treatment would help to reduce the environmental impact.
Learn more
Both EEA briefings provide a summary of more detailed technical reports prepared by the EEAs European Topic Centres on Waste and Materials In a Green Economy (ETC/WMGE).
– Textiles & the environment: The role and importance of design in Europe’s circular economy
– Microplastic pollution caused by textile consumption in Europe
