Textile transformation: Sweden’s lessons for Ukraine on circularity and regulatory innovation
In May 2025, Re:inventex, along with other representatives of Ukraine’s textile industry, took part in a Trade Mission to Sweden. The event, organized by Open Trade Gate Sweden and Helvetas under the RECONOMY programme, became a significant opportunity for Ukrainian companies to explore cutting-edge approaches to the circular economy and gain insights into new European regulations that are reshaping the textile sector.
Special thanks go to the Ukrainian Association of Enterprises of Light Industry (UKRLEGPROM) for facilitating the participation of the Ukrainian delegation. Their continued support and leadership play a key role in representing and strengthening the national textile and fashion industry on international platforms.
As part of the mission, the delegation visited a range of innovative laboratories and learned from Sweden’s practical experience in circularity.
Sweden: A Leader in Circular Thinking
Sweden has long been a pioneer in sustainable development, and the city of Borås serves as a compelling example of how textile heritage can meet the demands of modern circular business. Educational institutions, municipalities, and companies here actively collaborate to support a model of circular economy — based on resource reuse, waste reduction, and material recovery. Borås is a dynamic hub for textile innovation, where businesses are already embedded in a circular mindset.
Transparency and Trust: Foundations of the Future
Meetings with Swedish buyers emphasized the importance of transparency. Camilla Bergsten Jonsson highlighted that today’s consumers seek more than certifications — they want brands to be truly open about their processes. This resonates strongly with Re:inventex, a company that has long embraced traceability and accountability in its production model.
New EU Regulations: Digital Product Passport and Eco-Design
One of the key topics of the mission was the upcoming European regulatory framework for textiles, including:
🔹 Digital Product Passport (DPP):
By 2027, all garments and footwear sold in the EU will be required to have a digital product passport — an electronic document (QR code or NFC tag) providing comprehensive data on composition, origin, manufacturing, and recyclability.
🔹 Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR):
This regulation will require manufacturers to design products with repairability, reusability, and recyclability in mind. Sustainability will no longer be just a label — it must be demonstrable through product design.
🔹 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
Starting in 2028, brands will be financially responsible for the post-consumer management of textile waste.
These changes are especially relevant for companies like Re:inventex, which already work with textile waste. The new policies foster circular supply chains and open doors to EU market integration through sustainable practices.
Innovation in Action: Circularity Already in Motion
Visits to Swedish innovation labs — including the renowned Do-Tank Studio — showed that circularity is already a functioning reality. Companies are using AI-powered automation to repair garments and applying new technologies to streamline textile recycling and material reuse.
How Can Ukraine Adapt?
Participation in this mission was a vital step toward industry transformation in Ukraine. Key takeaways include:
- Circularity must be embedded in business models. In a changing global market, sustainability is no longer a trend — it’s a necessity.
- Transparency and digital supply chain tracking are essential for accessing the EU market.
- Building partnerships and cross-sector collaboration is key to industry-wide progress.
For successful adaptation, Ukrainian companies should:
✔️ Implement traceability systems and adjust supply chains in line with DPP requirements
✔️ Learn about and comply with upcoming EU regulations (Eco-design, EPR)
✔️ Develop public-private partnerships to support innovation
✔️ Participate in EU projects and initiatives for knowledge exchange
The Future of Textiles: Circular and Innovative
The future of the textile industry lies in circularity. Ukraine has every opportunity to align with this transition — if businesses embrace innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation. Re:inventex is ready to lead this path, helping reduce the environmental footprint of textiles and bridging tradition with innovation.
