The European Environment Agency published today two briefings to address the potential European Union strategy for circular and sustainable fabrics. They include information on resource use, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The EEA briefing, Textiles and Europe’s Circular Economy: The Role of Design in Europe’s Circular Economy provides updated estimates of textiles’ life-cycle effects on the environment and climate.
This briefing shows that textiles accounted for the fifth highest amount of greenhouse gas emissions and water pressures in 2020, as well as the fifth highest level of land and water use. The average person in the EU consumed 9 cubic metres of water, 400 sq metres of land, 391 kg (kg) of raw material, and a carbon footprint of approximately 270 kg. The vast majority (over 90%) of the emissions and resource use occurred outside of Europe.
The briefing also examines how circular business models can reduce the negative effects of textile production and consumption. This includes preserving the value of textiles, increasing their life cycles, and increasing the use of recycled materials. This requires business, technical, and social innovation. It is supported by education, policy, and changes to consumer behaviour.
Design is key to increasing textile products circularity. A circular design, such as a careful material selection, timeless appearance or garment multi-functionality, can increase the textile’s life span and allow for longer use. According to the EEA briefing optimising resource use and reducing emissions would also help reduce negative impacts. Better collection, reuse, and recycling of discarded textiles would also be beneficial.
Microplastic pollution is mainly caused by textiles. This includes wastewater from washing cycles as well as manufacturing, wearing and disposal of garments. The EEA briefing Microplastics From Textiles: Towards a Circular Economy for Textiles in Europe examines this particular type of pollution and highlights three key prevention strategies: sustainable design and production; controlling emissions during use; and improved end-of life processing.
According to the EEA briefings, pollution could possibly be reduced by using alternative production processes or pre-washing garments at manufacturing sites with proper wastewater filtration. 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. The environment would be further protected if textile waste collection, treatment, and management is done properly.
Download the briefings
Textiles and the environment: The role of design in Europe’s circular economy
Microplastic pollution caused by textile consumption in Europe