Euratex unveils ReHubs initiative to upcycle textile waste
Euratex, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, in November proposed the development and setting up of European Textile Recycling Hubs (ReHubs). The Hubs’ capacity to treat large volumes will create economies of scale, justifying the costs of existing recycling technologies as well as investments into new ones, such as chemical and thermal/melt recycling. This will generate new raw materials for the textile value chains, which is mostly made of SMEs (fibre-to-fibre closed loop), and for symbiosis with other European industries (like automotive or other industries). Five member states have emerged as the ideal candidate hosts: Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy and Spain.
£22.5-million UK funding to recycle industry waste
The United Kingdom will provide £22.5 million to five research centres in London, Loughborough and Exeter to help industries tackle waste, boost recycling and build back greener from the coronavirus pandemic. The centres will explore how the reuse of waste materials in the textile and other industries can protect the environment and boost the economy. The better reuse and recycling techniques developed by these new centres will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural resources and provide new opportunities for UK industries. Research has shown that expanding the circular economy could create up to 500,000 gross jobs by 2030.
First large-scale textile sorting plant opens in Sweden
UK scientists working to reduce textile industry waste
Renewcell & H&M join hands for recycling fashion products
WRAP relaunches textiles recycling & re-use grant fund
Primark launches new UK in-store recycling scheme
Adidas to use 50 per cent recycled polyester in 2020
Puma & First Mile launch sportswear with recycled plastic
NGOs unite to hasten sustainability in apparel industry
To accelerate sustainable transformation of the apparel and accessory industry, several leadings subject matter experts in September united as the Fashion Conveners. Apparel Impact Institute (AII), Fashion for Good (FFG), Global Fashion Agenda (GFA), Fashion Makes Change (FMC), Responsible Business Coalition at Fordham University (RBC), Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), Textile Exchange (TE), Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, and ZDHC are part of the group. It will work to support common organisational agendas, avoid duplicative efforts, and holistically drive the industry’s progress along a journey of continuous and rapid improvement.
