The T2T Alliance, founded by recycling pioneers Circ, Circulose, RE&UP, and Syre, has emerged as a strategic voice to represent the interests of the textile recycling sector in policy discussions, particularly within the EU framework. Positioned at a crucial juncture for the textile industry, this initiative aligns seamlessly with Europe’s broader circular economy goals, aiming to ensure recyclers play a pivotal role in crafting policies that promote a sustainable future.
With the specialised expertise of its members, the T2T Alliance seeks to influence legislative developments, ensuring that the recycling sector’s needs are both recognised and integrated into long-term industry strategies. The alliance is supported by 2B Policy, a consultancy known for its expertise in regulatory strategy.
Syre CEO Dennis Nobelius emphasized the urgency of the moment:
“The textile waste crisis is worsening in Europe and globally, with recycled textiles currently accounting for less than 1% of the market. Most end-of-life textiles are still sent to landfills or incinerated. We are at a pivotal moment in the textile industry, and we believe that EU policymakers and stakeholders can play a crucial role in accelerating circularity and establishing textile-to-textile recycling as the norm.”
Aligning with EU Eco-Design Regulations
The T2T Alliance has identified the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) as a transformative opportunity for the industry. The regulation, effective since July 18, 2024, replaced the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC and is a cornerstone of the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan. By 2028, the ESPR is expected to enforce eco-design standards, including a ban on the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear, significantly boosting the use of recycled textile fibers.
The European Commission (EC) is set to implement its first working plan for the ESPR framework in 2025, prioritising product categories and establishing firm eco-design requirements through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement via the Ecodesign Forum, and impact evaluations.
Advocating for T2T Recyclers’ Participation
The T2T Alliance has raised concerns about the limited involvement of textile-to-textile (T2T) recyclers in the ongoing policy debates surrounding ESPR. The alliance argues that without their active participation, regulations risk stifling the growth of this critical sector.
The T2T Alliance aims to bridge this gap by:
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Educating policymakers on the practical implications of sustainability regulations.
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Advocating for accountability and robust policies that integrate textile circularity as a central element of the EU’s green agenda.
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Promoting well-informed legislation that supports the recyclers’ capabilities.
Circ CEO Peter Majeranowski stressed the importance of informed legislation:
“We commend the EU for taking bold steps toward a circular future, but the current proposals fail to fully account for the practical realities faced by advanced textile recyclers. We can recycle challenging materials, such as polycotton blends, but we need legislation that is informed and supportive of these capabilities. That’s why we’ve come together under the T2T Alliance – to ensure that our collective expertise is harnessed to craft legislation that accelerates circularity rather than creating unnecessary hurdles.”
Shaping Eco-Design Standards for Textiles
As part of its advocacy efforts, the T2T Alliance has actively engaged with the EC on the latest draft report shaping eco-design standards for textiles. The alliance’s contributions include:
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Promoting the inclusion of T2T recycled content and recyclability as central criteria in eco-design standards for textiles.
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Supporting a closed-loop recycling framework that integrates post-industrial, pre-consumer, and post-consumer waste.
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Addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that including post-industrial waste in recycled content targets could lead to overproduction.
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Recommending multiple verification methods for reliable tracking of recycled materials.
The T2T Alliance’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to driving meaningful change within the textile industry, ensuring recyclers’ contributions are not only acknowledged but integrated into the regulatory framework. This collective effort seeks to redefine the future of the textile sector, fostering a closed-loop system that aligns with Europe’s vision for sustainability.
