Nordic used textile industry supports circular economy

The report titled 'Exports of Nordic Used Textiles: Fate, benefits and impacts' focuses on the benefits arising from the reuse and recycling of used textiles. It has been found that the benefits are far higher than the impacts caused by the transportation and processing of used textiles.

In a bid to identify the environmental and socio-economic impact of the export of used textiles, the Nordic Council of Ministers had carried out a study in close cooperation with the 13 largest Nordic exporters of used textiles. Additional investigations were conducted in three sample countries – Poland, Malawi and Pakistan.

Falling prices for used textiles in recent years have ensured that a high share of used textiles are reused and recycled, according to the report. Narrow economic margins in the used textile sector ensure a high level of reuse and recycling and resulting environmental benefits. However, there is only little export of waste to countries that are unable to deal with it. Non-reusable/non-recyclable textile and non-textile wastes are removed in sorting facilities prior to export from the EU.

The report has recommended the policy makers to establish strategies, seeding projects,innovation funding pools etc to encouraging stronger markets for reuse and recycling of textiles in Nordic markets, though without compromising the waste hierarchy and increase support for increased collection of used textiles both for the Nordic and export markets. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India