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The European Environment Agency (EEA) report's revelation of growing textile consumption and waste in Europe underscores a pressing environmental challenge. In 2022, the average European consumed 19 kg of textiles, generating 6.94 million tonnes of waste. This rise, coupled with the alarming 85 per cent of textile waste ending up in landfills or incinerators, necessitates a comprehensive response.
The environmental footprint
The EEA report emphasizes the significant environmental pressure exerted by textile production and consumption. This includes resource depletion such as high water and land consumption for raw material production for example cotton. Manufacturing, transportation, and disposal leads to greenhouse gas emissions. The use of harmful dyes and treatments lead to chemical pollution. And shedding from synthetic textiles leads to microplastic release.
"These data highlight the need for policymakers, industry and consumers to play their part in helping Europe move away from fast fashion and produce better quality, more durable textiles designed to last longer, be reusable, repairable and recyclable," the EEA emphasised.
Table: EU’s average T&A purchase and wastage
|
Category |
Average purchase (kg/person, 2022) |
|
|
Clothing |
8 |
|
|
Home Textiles |
7 |
|
|
Shoes |
4 |
|
|
Total Textiles |
19 |
|
|
Textile Waste |
||
|
Metric |
Value (2022) |
Change from 2019 |
|
Total Textile Waste (tonnes) |
6.94 million |
Stable Since 2016 |
|
Textile Waste (kg/person) |
16 |
Stable Since 2016 |
|
Non-Separately Collected Textile Waste |
85% |
N/A |
The most concerning aspect is the management of textile waste. Despite a slight increase in separate collection (up 4.3 percentage points since 2016), almost 85 per cent of textile waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, preventing reuse and recycling. This reflects a massive failure in the circular economy for textiles.
However, the concerning trend of escalating textile consumption and waste isn't confined to Europe. The US also grapples with significant challenges, driven by similar factors like fast fashion and consumer behavior.
Table: The EU-US comparison
|
Metric |
EU (2022) |
US (latest data) |
Notes |
|
Textile Consumption Per Capita |
19 kg |
Approximately 37.8 kg |
Data variability exists, but US consumption is significantly higher. Sources vary on the exact number. Source of the USA number is from the Japan Chemical Fibers Association. |
|
Textile Waste Per Capita |
16 kg |
Data varies greatly. Landfilled waste is roughly 48 kg. |
The US generates a very large amount of textile waste. Data from the EPA shows that in 2018, 17 million tons of textile waste was generated. |
|
Percentage of Textile Waste Landfilled |
85% (non-separately collected) |
High Percentage. 11.3 million tons of textile waste was landfilled in 2018. |
US landfills take on a very large amount of textile waste. |
|
Key Regulatory Focus |
EU Textile Strategy, CSRD, ESPR |
Largely voluntary initiatives, growing focus on sustainability. |
The EU has more unified, and strict regulation. The USA regulations vary, and are less unified. |
|
Fast Fashion Impact |
Significant |
Very significant |
Both regions are heavily impacted. |
The table indicates the comparison between the EU and the US
Higher consumption in the US: Per capita textile consumption is notably higher in the US compared to the EU. This is due to factors like larger average living spaces, a strong culture of consumerism, and widespread accessibility of fast fashion. The US has a robust fast fashion market.
Significant waste generation: Both regions generate substantial textile waste, posing environmental challenges. The percentage of textile waste that ends up in landfills is high for both. According to the EPA, 11.3 million tons of textile waste was landfilled in the US in 2018.
Regulatory differences: The EU is taking a more proactive approach through comprehensive regulations like the EU Textile Strategy and the CSRD. The US approach relies more on voluntary initiatives, although there's increasing pressure for stricter regulations. While recycling initiatives exist, the infrastructure is less developed compared to some European countries.
Fast fashion dominance: Fast fashion significantly impacts both, driving excessive consumption and waste. The US has a strong consumer culture, contributing to the demand for fast fashion and disposable clothing.
Factors driving the trend
What’s pushing the environmental impact is the rise of fast fashion, characterized by low prices and rapid turnover that fuels excessive consumption. A culture of disposability and a desire for constant novelty contribute to high waste generation. For example, Shein the ultra-fast fashion retailer exemplifies the problem, releasing thousands of new items daily. Reports show the extremely low quality of clothing, and the huge amount of waste generated. This is a very large contributor to the increasing amount of clothing waste.
Also, insufficient collection and recycling infrastructure hinders effective waste management. The prices of new clothing are very low, which does not reflect the true cost of production. For example, the Kantamanto Market in Accra, Ghana, is a stark example of the environmental and social consequences of textile waste dumping. Tons of discarded clothing from Europe and North America end up there, creating massive pollution and posing health risks to local communities. This highlights the global impact of Europe's textile consumption.
The ESG connection
The EEA report's emphasis on the environmental pressures of textile production aligns directly with the ‘E’ (environmental) pillar of ESG. Resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical pollution, and microplastic release are all critical environmental concerns that businesses must address under ESG frameworks. The ‘S’ (social) pillar is equally relevant. The social implications of fast fashion, such as poor labor conditions in manufacturing and the detrimental impact of textile waste on communities in developing countries, are increasingly scrutinized under ESG criteria. The ‘G’ (governance) pillar relates to the regulatory and ethical frameworks that guide businesses. The EU's push for sustainable textiles, including the mandatory separate collection directive, reflects a growing emphasis on governance in the textile industry.
The EU directive and the path forward
The EU has unveiled its Textile Strategy, aiming to make textiles more durable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable. This includes measures to combat greenwashing and promote sustainable production. The EU directive mandating selective textile collection from January 1, 2025, is a crucial step. However, its success depends on:
Effective implementation: Member states must establish robust collection and sorting systems.
Investment in recycling technology: Advanced recycling technologies are needed to process textile waste.
Consumer education: Raising awareness about sustainable consumption and the importance of textile recycling.
Industry responsibility: Encouraging brands to adopt circular design principles and extended producer responsibility.
Extended producer responsibility: The producers should be responsible for the waste they produce.
Egypt’s RMG Council aims to increase its exports to $12 billion by 2031. The council has also revised its annual export target for 2025 by 35 per cent to $3.8 billion, from its previous projections.
In March 2025, the Council increased its RMG exports by 27 per cent Y-o-Y to approximately $262 million as against $206 million in March 2024, as per figures released by the Ready-Made Garments Export Council.
The council registered strongest monthly growth in February 2025, when its exports rose by 35 per cent compared to the same period last year. On the contrary, exports in January 2025 registered a modest growth of 11 per cent.
The largest destination for the Council’s RMG exports remains United States, with RMG exports worth $102 million in March 2025. This was followed by the European markets with exports worth $66 million, while exports to the Arab nations totaled $40 million. The Council’s exports to other international markets totaled $53 million while exports to non-Arab African countries stood at approximately $1.2 million.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) -Amritsar organized a seminar titled ‘Future of Technical Textiles’ to explore the shift in the city’s traditional textile industry toward innovation-driven technical textiles. The seminar was held in collaboration with Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU).
Davinder Singh, Chairman, CII-Amritsar, emphasized, it's time to establish the city as a progressive hub for innovation in the technical textile sector. This transformation will be built on a strong foundation of collaboration between industry and academia, he added.
Dr Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, stated, the University plans to offer in-depth research, training programs, industry-focused studies, technology consulting, and support to entrepreneurs looking to enter the technical textile sector. The Golden Jubilee Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre has already been providing expertise and industry networking support for registered companies in the textile, garment, and handloom industries.
Babette Desfossez, Trade Commissioner, Flanders Investment & Trade (Belgium) shared success stories from the thriving technical textile sector in Belgium.
Fueled by a growing awareness of sustainability and natural fibers in fashion, the value of the United States wool industry is projected to reach $555.6 million by 2032, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1 per cent from 2025 to 2032.
As both consumers and companies prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable products, wool's inherent qualities as a renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral fiber have become key selling points. The growth of this market is also driven by an increased demand for premium wool apparel, including suits, sweaters, and activewear, alongside its use in home textiles like carpets and bedding. The US wool market is witnessing heightened demand not only for traditional applications but also in emerging sectors such as medical and insulation.
The US wool market is segmented by product type (fine, medium, and coarse), end-user (fashion and apparel, home textiles, industrial, and medical), and application. Fine wool is most sought after for high-end fashion due to its soft texture and dye absorption. Medium wool is popular for home textiles, while coarse wool is used in industrial products. Fashion and apparel currently hold the largest market share, with home textiles also significantly contributing. Industrial applications like insulation are gaining traction, diversifying the market.
While the US is a primary consumer of wool, particularly in fashion and textiles, the market is also influenced by major wool producers like Australia and New Zealand, key exporters to the US Innovations in wool production and processing in these regions are expected to benefit the US market through improved quality and cost efficiency. With its long history of wool production and consumption, Europe is another significant demand center, with many US brands sourcing wool from European markets known for their quality and established supply chains.
Sustainability trends in European wool markets are also likely to influence U.S. market developments.
The US wool market's strong growth is driven by several factors, notably sustainability. Wool's eco-friendly attributes align perfectly with the increasing consumer and manufacturer preference for natural and sustainable materials. The rising popularity of high-performance wool in activewear, due to its moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, is another significant driver. Technological advancements in wool processing are also enhancing its functionality and appeal.
Despite growth prospects, the US wool market faces challenges, including price volatility due to supply fluctuations and global demand. Competition from cheaper synthetic fibers also poses a restraint. However, the market is poised to capitalize on opportunities such as the growth of sustainable fashion and the expanding use of wool in industrial applications like insulation and medical textiles, where its natural and beneficial properties are increasingly valued.
As the global textile industry faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable and circular solutions, the organisers of the upcoming Textiles Recycling Expo will host a key press conference in Brussels on May 6, 2025. This pre-event gathering aims to inform and engage media, stakeholders, and policymakers ahead of the highly anticipated expo and conference scheduled for June 4-5 in Brussels, Belgium.
The press conference will highlight the urgent need for innovation, collaboration, and regulatory progress in textile recycling and circular economy strategies. Zied Chetoui, Event Manager of the Textiles Recycling Expo, will open the session, outlining the expo’s vision and its vital role in addressing the industry's major challenges.
Attendees will hear from leading industry figures, including Karla Basselier, CEO of Fedustria; Julia Ettinger, Secretary General of EuRIC; Dirk Vantyghem, Director General of Euratex; and a representative from ReHubs. These speakers will share insights into upcoming policy shifts, collaborative efforts, and the industry’s evolving landscape.
Set in Brussels, a hub for European policymaking and sustainability initiatives, the press conference will also align with the International Day of Zero Waste and EU Green Week. The event is open to both in-person and virtual participants and will provide an early look at the conference programme, key partnerships, and the broader vision for accelerating textile circularity.
Organised by AMI, a leading event and publishing firm specialising in recycling, the Textiles Recycling Expo is poised to become a central platform for showcasing global innovation. AMI’s portfolio includes renowned recycling expos across Europe, the USA, and India, as well as expert publications like Plastics Recycling World and TextilesLoop.
At the invitation of the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council (GATS), a high-level team from the H&M Foundation and Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) traveled to India's leading textile recycling hub, Panipat, marking a significant milestone for the global fashion and textile industry. The visit represents a key step in developing industry-wide strategies for a sustainable, inclusive, and circular textile economy.
Lennart Bernhoft, Chief Operating Officer, GFA, led the delegation, which also included Carola Tembe (Project Director), Jodith Tesfai (Project Manager), and Elin Hallerby (Communications Lead) from the H&M Foundation. The GATS team, headed by Chairman Parvinder Singh and supported by Harshit Kakkar, Archish Kansal, and Sanjay Chauhan, hosted the visit.
The GATS team showcased Panipat's vital role in global textile recycling by highlighting its extensive waste-to-product supply chain during the tour. The visiting team directly observed how Panipat is establishing standards for inclusive growth models and closed-loop processes.
The delegation’s discussions focused on three key priorities including developing strategies to significantly increase the amount of textile waste that is successfully diverted and recycled; creating new models that enhance the value recovered from recycled materials, making sustainable recycling more appealing and profitable and developing plans to improve the social security, working conditions, and incomes of workers—particularly those in the unorganized sector—involved in the textile waste ecosystem.
GATS also outlined its broader goal of expanding its historical dominance in home furnishings by transforming Panipat from a recycling hub into a sustainable and affordable garment sourcing hub. GATS aims to establish Panipat as a leading global location for ethical sourcing by developing skills in the apparel industry, built upon a strong foundation of social compliance and circularity.
GFA's ongoing work in Panipat through its ‘Green Threads & Weaves’ project with the Foundation for MSME Clusters further emphasized the potential for synergistic partnerships aimed at deeply integrating sustainability into the business models of local businesses.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has announced its newly elected leadership for fiscal year 2025 following its annual meeting held from March 24 to 27. Chuck Hall, President and CEO of Barnet, has been elected as Chairman, while Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, Inc, will serve as Vice Chair.
The NCTO represents the full US textile supply chain, from fiber through finished sewn products. The organization comprises five councils to ensure broad industry representation. During the meeting, each council elected members to the NCTO Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, along with new council chairs.
Kim Glas, NCTO President and CEO, said, “I want to thank our new Chairman Chuck Hall and Vice Chair Amy Bircher Bruyn for their continued commitment to NCTO’s mission. Their leadership will be vital as we advocate for sound trade policies and protect a domestic textile supply chain that supports over 470,000 US workers.”
Elected to the Board were David Adkins (Lenzing), Geoffrey Hietpas (The Lycra Company), and David Poston (Palmetto Synthetics) from the Fiber Council; Chris Alt (American & Efird), Marc Doyon (Gildan), and others from the Yarn Council; Allen Jacoby (Milliken & Company) and peers from the Fabric and Home Products Council; Gabrielle Ferrara (Ferrara Manufacturing) and Marisa Fumei-South (Two-One-Two New York) from the Finished Textiles Council; and Todd Bassett (Fi-Tech), Greg Duncan (American Truetzschler), and Jim Reed (YKK Corp.) from the Industry Support Council.
Council chairs elected include David Adkins, Justin Ferdinand, Allen Jacoby, Gabrielle Ferrara, and Todd Bassett. Other officers for FY2025 include Kim Glas as President & CEO, Robin Haynes as Treasurer, and Sara Beatty as Secretary.
Seven major trade exhibitions organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded successfully, drawing nearly 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions. These events, held in late April and covering lifestyle products, printing and packaging, and licensing opportunities, saw increased buyer turnout across all fairs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global trade hub. More than 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries participated, connecting with international buyers through both physical and digital platforms.
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair attracted 36,000 buyers, while Home InStyle saw over 20,000, and Fashion InStyle welcomed 11,000-plus. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also brought in over 11,000 attendees. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) attracted more than 20,000 buyers and featured nearly 20 global industry leaders as speakers.
Positive outlook amid global challenges
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, 49.2 per cent of exhibitors and buyers surveyed at three lifestyle product fairs expected sales growth within two years, while 44.5 per cent anticipated stable performance. Top concerns included protectionist policies (45.7 per cent), economic fluctuations (43.3 per cent), and inflation (32 per cent). Respondents saw strong sales potential in Mainland China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and ASEAN markets, with active exploration also focused on Europe, Japan, and North America.
Cultural gifts, tech gadgets, smart home technologies, fashion accessories, and womenswear were identified as key growth segments across lifestyle categories. Hong Kong exhibitors, like Moral Team Holdings Ltd and KnitWarm Ltd, reported strong orders and new market opportunities, with several companies noting increased buyer interest from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Sustainability, innovation and cross-sector collaboration
The fairs facilitated creative synergies across sectors. Homelover Products Limited reported a doubling of new buyer visits and expects around $100,000 in sales. German buyer Michael Baumann placed potential orders worth up to $2.8 million, sourcing from multiple countries including India and Mainland China.
Eco-conscious exhibitors received strong responses amid rising sustainability interest. KnitWarm Ltd drew buyers with smart textile innovations, anticipating $200,000 in sales. Meanwhile, Fashion InStyle’s new zone, Next@Fashion InStyle, spotlighted sustainable materials. Malaysian buyer Richard Tsen expressed interest in mushroom leather from Indonesia’s MYCL, envisioning applications in both fashion and furniture.
Licensing and print industries tap cultural demand
At HKILS, Chengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development signed a RMB2 million agreement for performances of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. Industry leaders at the ALC discussed the growing potential of integrating real-world and virtual elements in cultural IPs, highlighting the creative edge of Hong Kong’s ecosystem.
The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack also opened new doors. UK buyer Zahoor A Qurashi placed sustainable packaging orders worth $120,000 and sees million-dollar growth potential, particularly in eco-friendly solutions like heat-expandable cups.
Online-offline model boosts business engagement
The HKTDC continued to promote international cooperation by leveraging its Exhibition+ model, blending physical exhibitions with digital platforms. This allowed business negotiations to continue beyond the event period, supporting exhibitors in expanding to high-growth markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN.
Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong reaffirmed HKTDC’s commitment to fostering global trade: “Despite global headwinds, we remain dedicated to supporting cross-sector cooperation and helping businesses tap into new markets.”
Coats Digital, the software arm of Coats Group, has secured the Silver Award in the Standout Platform/Technology/Tool category at the 2025 UK Digital Excellence Awards for its innovative time-cost benchmarking platform, GSDCost.
The UK Digital Excellence Awards, now merged with the UK Digital Growth Awards and organised by Don’t Panic Events, recognise industry pioneers driving digital innovation and long-term success across various sectors. Accredited by the Awards Standards Council, the event celebrates companies that push boundaries and set new standards in the digital space.
Kunal Kapur, Managing Director of Coats Digital, said the award marks a significant milestone for the team. “GSDCost was built to solve some of fashion’s toughest issues from inaccurate cost estimation to unfair labour practices. This award reflects the innovation and purpose-driven efforts of our entire team.”
GSDCost, a flagship SaaS solution, transforms how garment manufacturers determine production costs, plan capacity, and ensure ethical compliance. By standardising Standard Minute Values (SMVs) using motion-based time codes, the platform replaces manual, inconsistent methods with scientifically accurate and uniform benchmarks. It empowers brands and vendors worldwide to collaborate efficiently, ensure wage fairness, and meet sustainability goals.
Designed to replace fragmented processes with real-time, data-backed decision-making, GSDCost supports global supply chains in building transparent, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious manufacturing models.
Adrian Elliott, Divisional CEO of Apparel at Coats Group, said, “This award reinforces our belief that digital tools like GSDCost are essential to creating a smarter, greener, and more responsible fashion industry.”
With this recognition, Coats Digital reaffirms its commitment to enabling smarter, fairer, and more sustainable supply chains through technology.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) signed an MoU with the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) on April 28, 2025 to boost economic ties between the two countries.
Outlining several key areas for cooperation, the MoU prioritizes knowledge exchange, with both associations agreeing to share best practices and industry expertise to fuel growth and enhance the competitive edge of their apparel export sectors. Furthermore, the agreement seeks to foster industrial collaboration by exploring potential joint ventures and partnerships designed to boost industrial capacity and overall productivity.
To further bridge the business communities, the MoU includes provisions for the exchange of business delegations. These visits and interactions aim to cultivate stronger trade and investment relationships between the two nations. Additionally, the agreement encourages active participation in each other’s trade exhibitions, providing platforms to showcase products and services and explore new market opportunities.
Underlying this collaboration is a set of shared objectives. Both BGMEA and PRGMEA emphasize their commitment to driving sustainable growth, elevating their competitiveness in the global market, and capitalizing on the complementary strengths within their garment and textile industries. This joint effort is anticipated to unlock new avenues for growth and foster deeper engagement between two significant players in the international apparel market.
Aamir Reyaz Chottani, PRGMEA states, signifying a crucial step in the association’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, this MoU will help PRGMEA enhance cooperation within the apparel export sector.
Anwar Hossain, BGMEA adds, this collaboration will empower the association to leverage each other’s strengths and boost competitiveness in the global marketplace.
The BGMEA stands as the leading trade body for Bangladesh’s garment industry, while the PRGMEA is a prominent association representing garment manufacturers and exporters in Pakistan. This collaborative endeavor marks a significant step towards greater economic synergy between the two South Asian nations in the vital apparel sector.
