#Sustainability

2019-05-17

Circularity in European manufacturing

The European industry and global leading fashion organisations begin the reshaping of the textile and apparel sector.bSimultaneously, a call for cooperation and new partnerships is launched from Frankfurt and Copenhagen, world’s leading meeting points for textile manufacturing and fashion.With “Prospering in the Circular Economy”, EURATEX - the voice of the European Textile and Apparel industry - with its National Members has taken stock of where Circular Economy is already used in European manufacturing and what it takes to scale it up, to unleash its full potential.

Today at techtextil + texprocess, EURATEX is delighted to announce taking the initiative to a new level and boosting cooperation both within Europe and at global scale. In the European Industry, EURATEX sets out a new strategy, working with its Members and companies to design solutions fit to enable circular economy at wide scale.

The European Industry offers hands-on experience of pioneers, and unique technical expertise on textile manufacturing. The strategy will be developed in 2019 and will focus on the roles of the industry, of the EU and local policy makers, the needs to remove barriers, lessons from research and innovation, and the new types of partnerships that circularity demands.

“We need new partnerships to promote sustainable purchasing practices and create a demand for circularity of products; we need to relay on smart policy measures which reward business investments and entrust a level playing field competition on a global scale for the responsible businesses.” - Alberto Paccanelli, EURATEX President-Elect

A joint industry Manifesto

On 14 May, a day ahead of the Copenhagen Fashion Summit 2019, five leading apparel organisations partner to call on existing and forthcoming EU policymakers to rethink tools to establish a circular fashion system.

The joint Industry Manifesto sets the scene framing agreed key issues which shall inspire industry and policy makers’ actions notably to bring on board all steps of the value chain, local and global actors, SMEs, consumers.

A new approach is called for: a new toolbox bringing together private and public initiatives, coordination and smart regulation, to address issues the industry cannot address alone.Ultimately, a new formula to rewrite the book of rules and procedures shall be agreed upon to deliver new policies and new partnerships.

Mauro Scalia, EURATEX Director of Sustainable Businesses, says: “we believe joint endeavors can win global challenges. The Manifesto shows that finding new ways for unprecedented coordination is possible”.

Jérome Pero, Secretary General, FESI, states that “[...] to drive change, it is essential that all actors work together to make it happen. That’s why I believe this manifesto is a perfect, timely call to unite everyone”.

Eva Kruse, CEO and President, Global Fashion Agenda: “This manifesto is extremely significant as it is the first time so many influential organisations in the fashion industry have come together to work with policymakers on a unified approach to circularity [...]”

Matthijs Crietee, Secretary General, IAF, says “[...] IAF will actively use its worldwide network to help create the connections for a global approach to circular fashion”

Baptiste Carrière-Pradal, Vice President, SAC, emphasizes that “[...] Through this European collaboration we can support legislation that promotes lasting industry improvements globally.”

Download the Joint Manifesto:

https://www.euratex.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/events/Circular_Economy_Manifesto_Digital.pdf

EURATEX urges Member States to prioritise competitiveness in the next EU budget

Ahead of crucial discussions among EU Member States on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, calls on European leaders to safeguard ambitious funding for industrial competitiveness and ensure that these resources translate into concrete investment support in European companies.

EURATEX calls for urgent action on industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy.

European textile industry calls for €10 handling fee on ultra-fast-fashion imports

The introduction of the €3 customs duty on low-value imports marks an important milestone in Europe’s efforts to address the challenges created by the rapid growth of ultra-fast-fashion imports. Together with the abolition of the €150 customs duty exemption, it demonstrates that policymakers are willing to act when market distortions become impossible to ignore. However, the European textile and clothing industry considers this a first step rather than the final destination.

The Or Foundation, adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, and Inditex launch Apparel Recovery Coalition, responding to impacts of post-consumer textile exports

adidas, BESTSELLER, H&M Group, Inditex and The Or Foundation, with support from Circle Economy, unveiled the Apparel Recovery Coalition (ARC). The coalition will explore how producer responsibility systems can support circular pathways such as reuse, upcycling, recycling, and responsible waste management in countries that receive large volumes of exported secondhand apparel.

NEUMÜHLE launches mono-material hoodie designed for textile recycling

With the Circular Mono Hoodie, Zurich-based label NEUMÜHLE introduces a new essential designed around a single-material principle. The textile construction is cotton throughout, right down to the sewing thread. Entirely free from elastane, the hoodie launches as a Limited Drop for CHF 139. Take-back, collection and existing recycling partnerships complement its circular design.