The circular economy model has recently received a lot of attention around the world, and it is now one of the new challenges facing the textile industry.
The importance of transitioning to circular economy has also been announced in Europe. The limitations of the linear economic model (resource exploitation – production – waste) have been clearly revealed when studying the textile industry. The transition to a circular economy requires important changes in both production and consumption patterns.
3 trends affecting the textile industry
The circular economy model is a system that restores and regenerates through ideas and design, using and reusing natural resources in the most effective way. This model also involves introducing principles such as sustainable design strategies, zero waste design, extending product life cycles, and recovering resources.
The circular economy framework is shaped by the 3R principle (reduce: reduce, reuse: reuse, recycle: recycle) that needs to be applied in both production, consumption, and resource recovery processes. This transition will require the participation of the entire society.
Challenges for textiles and garments when moving to a circular economy model
The scale and speed of the shift to a circular economy model depends on the awareness and commitment of stakeholders. During the transition process, the 3R principle needs to be applied throughout the cycle of production, consumption and resource recovery. This means that the challenge for the textile industry is to reduce energy and material intensity, while minimizing the dispersion of harmful substances, expanding recycling possibilities, and maximizing the use of recycled resources.
Preventing waste throughout the product life cycle and eliminating, or at least minimizing, the rate of waste is one of the biggest challenges the textile industry faces when shifting to a circular economy model. Effective waste management will significantly affect all stages of the 3R principle by reducing raw materials, reusing textile waste and recycling them.
The transition to a circular economy needs to start with waste prevention and minimizing waste landfilling. Each stage has different barriers and difficulties but also brings many opportunities for the textile and garment industry to innovate.
The transition to a circular economy is a complex challenge, but it is essential for the long-term sustainability of the textile industry. By working together, stakeholders can overcome the challenges and create a more sustainable future for the industry.