LCA-Based assessment of the management of European used Textiles

LCA-Based assessment of the management of European used Textiles

LCA-Based assessment of the management of European used Textiles
Type
Author
Steffen Trzepacz, Norion
Dina Bekkevold Lingås, Norion
Lise Asscherickx, VITO
Karolien Peeters, VITO
Hilde van Duijn, EigenDraads
Marieke Akerboom, EigenDraads
Publication Date
January, 2023
Country
Belgium
Language for original content
Sector
Scope

The quantities of used textiles collected in Europe are increasing, while the proportion of high-quality reusable garments is decreasing. Currently, around 50-75 % of the collected textiles is reused, whereas 10-30 % is recycled.

Towards 2030, however, it is expected that a smaller portion will be suitable for reuse, and that more will be fit for recycling. This is because the requirement of separately collected textiles is expected to divert textiles from mixed waste, which is not fit for reuse, as well as of a general trend of falling quality. The lifecycle impact assessment (LCA) of reuse compared to a new product confirms that the environmental impact of reuse is significantly lower than the production of a new garment.