What does it really take to make textile recycling systemic? Insights from a new EU analysis

In August 2025, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a study that could significantly shape the future of textile waste management policy. For the first time, it thoroughly assessed which instruments could trigger the development of a large-scale, efficient, climate-neutral textile recycling model in the EU. And its findings are not only relevant to EU governments—they also matter for Ukrainian producers, importers, and businesses striving to align with emerging environmental rules.

Three Policies That Can Change the Game

The study evaluates three groups of policy instruments:

• Financial incentives — subsidies, grants, or tax reductions for businesses engaged in textile sorting, recycling, or manufacturing of products using recycled materials.
  
  
• Improved convenience of textile waste collection — introducing standards for “minimum collection convenience” or even deposit-refund systems for used textiles.
  
  
• Information policies — labelling to indicate product composition, recyclability, and the use of recycled content.
  
  

According to the authors, a combination of these approaches could reduce CO₂ emissions by 4.5–5.4 million tonnes annually within the EU alone. However, the measures will only be truly effective if they go hand in hand with reduced textile waste generation—this means rethinking both consumption and production models.

The Cost of Recycling: Real, but Justified

The reality is clear: textile sorting and recycling require major investments. If the EU is serious about implementing a closed-loop textile system, the financial needs are substantial:

• Expanding fibre-to-fibre recycling capacities may require €2–6 billion over the next 10–15 years.
  
  
• Ongoing support for the use of recycled materials could cost €100–700 million annually.
  
  
• Developing new sorting infrastructure could demand an additional €300–800 million per year.
  
  

Implementing a deposit-refund system could double or triple current collection costs—but also significantly boost collection volumes.

Sorting: The Strategic Link

One key point stands out: textile recycling will not succeed without high-quality sorting. According to the researchers, this is where public support should be concentrated. Without fibre-specific sorting systems that can identify material blends and contaminants, a stable market for recycled inputs—suitable for textile-to-textile applications—cannot emerge. This is particularly relevant for countries still building their collection and processing infrastructure—such as Ukraine.

It’s Not Just About Technology—Behaviour Matters Too

The study’s authors stress that no technology alone can solve the problem without changes in consumer and business behaviour. A new culture of circulation is needed—from mindful purchasing and product design to transparent labelling and responsible disposal. Awareness campaigns, clear information, and trust are essential to make sustainable practices the default.

What Does This Mean for Ukraine?

If Ukraine truly aims to integrate into the European market, preserve access to exports, and simultaneously build a new domestic economy, we must act now:

• Include textile sorting and recycling support in national and regional programmes;
  
  
• Encourage businesses to implement ecodesign and use recycled materials;
  
  
• Launch pilot collection projects through partnerships between municipalities, businesses, and communities.
  
  

Re:inventex is ready to be part of this transformation—as a practical innovation platform for joint solutions and the development of a new circular textile infrastructure.

Textiles deserve a second life. And making that happen is our mission—starting today.

You can read the full analysis at the link: https://25517858.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/25517858/JRC139566_01.pdf

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