{"id":20280,"date":"2025-05-27T05:18:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T03:18:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interzero.at\/blog\/textile-recycling-in-transition-why-companies-should-act-now\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T10:03:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T08:03:21","slug":"textile-recycling-in-transition-why-companies-should-act-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/interzero.at\/en\/blog\/textile-recycling-in-transition-why-companies-should-act-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Textile recycling in transition: Why companies should act now"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A global problem \u2013 with growing pressure to act<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The global textile industry faces massive challenges: Over 92 million tons of textile waste<\/strong> are generated annually \u2013 yet less than 1%<\/strong> of this is recycled into new textiles. This linear model is neither ecologically nor economically viable. <\/p>\n

With Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)<\/strong> for textiles, the industry is at a turning point. In the future, companies will be held more accountable \u2013 from the design to the end of their products’ lives<\/strong> . <\/p>\n

Situation in Austria: The cycle is stalling<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There is also an urgent need for action in Austria: More than 220,000 tons of textile waste<\/strong> are generated annually. Only around 26% of this is collected separately<\/strong> , and less than 2%<\/strong> is recycled. <\/p>\n

A large portion ends up incinerated or landfilled\u2014a waste of valuable raw materials. Even damaged textiles\u2014with stains or tears\u2014could serve as the basis for new textiles<\/strong> , provided suitable collection, sorting, and recycling structures are in place. <\/p>\n

Separate collection of used textiles has been mandatory throughout the EU since January 1, 2025.<\/strong> Regulatory pressure is increasing \u2013 and with it, the responsibility for companies. <\/p>\n

Regulatory change: EPR & PPWR \u2013 more responsibility for companies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR)<\/strong> also entered into force at the beginning of 2025. Together with the EPR, these regulations mark a paradigm shift: companies that place products and packaging on the market will in future be responsible for their entire life cycle<\/strong> . <\/p>\n

In Austria, the EPR currently applies to packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment, and batteries. However , textiles are also increasingly becoming a focus of legislation<\/strong> . Countries such as France, Sweden, and the Netherlands have already introduced corresponding systems; Austria is working on national implementation<\/strong> . <\/p>\n

For affected companies, this means that anyone who places textiles or textile components into circulation will also have to assume financial responsibility in the future.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Future textile cycle: What is necessary \u2013 and what is already being created<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A functioning textile cycle requires more than separate collection. The challenges are diverse: <\/p>\n