recyle textile

Textile reclycing to be improved

Recycling of textiles can have a bigger volume than in the current situation. Seperated recycling of discarded textile is being done on a very low scale in European countries. In general consumers throw away most of no-longer worn clothes or used textiles together with waste, which can not further be recycled.

The Danisch agency Plan Miljø wrote a report called “Used textiles collection in European Cities”, which is part of the European Clothing Action Plan (ECAP) and works on diminishing the environmental impact of clothing. Based on 7 cases of cities that have improved on textile-collection over the past few years, they have concluded there are many different ways in which collecting can be established, but is mostly improved when municipalities actively start interfering an coordinating. Sharing information and clear communication about usage of collected textile increases awareness and therefor a growth in the collection.

The easier collecting can be done, the higher the results will be. Cooperation amongst different collectors and offer a range of possibilities to collect textiles are 2 good examples. Many municipalities are nowadays looking for local possibilities for recycling and processing. Instead of finding their own way, working together with companies which already have knowledge and experience on this part should have priority.

In 2050 The Netherlands are aiming to be a circular economy in which no waste exists and all raw materials are being re-used. Rijkswaterstaat encourages companies, people and governments to sustainable (re-)use to be able to reach the main goal; have more sustainable products on the market, consciously consume and better recycle.