A shortage of sorters capable of separating textile waste for recycling has emerged as a major stumbling block for the European textile recycling industry.
The study, carried out by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, under the title of ‘Sustainable Clothing Futures’, reveals that currently there are 12 sorters and 33 recyclers operating in Europe. The collection of textile waste of 560000 tons by sorters is less than half the total capacity of 1.3 million tons installed by the recyclers. The current collection is only 22-35 percent of the total textile waste in Europe.
According to the reports, European Union (EU) requirement for separate textile waste collection would rise significantly from 2025.
The report recommends innovative collection methodology, novel recycling technology besides automated sorting development, to significantly scale textile recycling in Europe.
The report concedes that many actors in the research and development phase of textile recycling have not been included in its mapping. They should also be included when considering the future of the textile industry in Europe.
It states the textile sorting and recycling industry would boom in years to come. Many prospective players intend to increase their capacities in the next few years. The key players currently operative in Europe in textile recycling and sorting have been identified in the report. It found that there was strong demand for cotton-rich waste as well as polyester waste. It was also revealed that mixed fibers are difficult to treat and pose a challenge for researchers to come up with better processes to separate cotton and polyester brands.
The report by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute was prepared in partnership with research consultants Profu, Lund University, and the Swedish School of Textiles.
