ALARMS SOUND IN EUROPEAN TEXTILE AND CHEMICAL SECTORS FOLLOWING BRUSSELS EVENT...

Brussels, May 9, 2024?- A recent event in Brussels that brought together regulators and stakeholders from the textile and chemical industries has raised significant concerns in both sectors. Discussions revolved around the possibility of stricter regulation on textile recycling, which has led some to fear financial ruin.

Proponents of greater circularity in textile supply chains argue that a radical change is needed to reduce the industry's environmental impact.?Textile production generates a large amount of waste, and much of it ends up in landfills or incinerated. Textile recycling could help reduce this waste and create new business opportunities.

However, textile and chemical companies have expressed concerns about the cost and feasibility of implementing new recycling regulations.?Some fear that the new rules could put them at a competitive disadvantage and lead to business closures.

The chemical industry is also concerned about the impact of new regulations on its access to raw materials.?Textile recycling requires the use of chemicals to break down textiles into their basic components. If regulations on the use of chemicals become too strict, it could make it difficult or impossible for chemical companies to obtain the raw materials they need.

The situation is complex and there are no easy answers.?It remains to be seen what concrete measures the regulators will take and how these measures will affect the textile and chemical industries.

Here are some key points to consider:

• The textile industry generates a large amount of waste, and much of it ends up in landfills or incinerated.
• Textile recycling could help reduce this waste and create new business opportunities.
• Textile and chemical companies are concerned about the cost and feasibility of implementing new recycling regulations.
• The chemical industry is also concerned about the impact of new regulations on its access to raw materials.
• It remains to be seen what concrete measures the regulators will take and how these measures will affect the textile and chemical industries.

What's next?

European regulators will continue to work with industry stakeholders to develop a plan to increase textile recycling. New regulations are likely to be introduced in the coming months or years. Textile and chemical companies will need to prepare for these changes and consider how they can adapt to the new rules.

Additional points to note:

• The event in Brussels was organized by the European Commission and brought together representatives from industry, government, and academia.
• The European Commission is currently reviewing its textile strategy and is expected to publish a new strategy in the coming months.
• The strategy is likely to include measures to promote textile recycling, such as mandatory recycling targets and financial incentives.
• European Textile Recycling Association
• Sustainable Apparel Coalition
• Ellen MacArthur Foundation

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