The PESCO-UP project, which aims to accelerate Europe’s circular textile transformation, is preparing two new policy briefs focusing on sustainability, traceability and data-driven recycling processes. The first policy brief reveals that the European textile sector still largely operates on a linear production model, with 73% of post-consumer textiles in the EU incinerated or sent to landfills. A shift towards durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable products is therefore vital to reduce the sector’s environmental impact.
The policy note highlights the Digital Product Passport (DPP) as one of the most powerful solution tools. DPP is defined as a system that will ensure that all critical information of textile products, from raw materials to chemical contents, from production processes to recycling potential, is recorded in a standardized, reliable and accessible way. Draft regulations are currently under preparation under the European Commission’s Ecodesign Directive. PESCO-UP aims to develop innovative solutions for the recycling of mixed polyester/cotton (PES/CO) textile waste, strengthen data sharing and traceability tools, and pave the way for circular business models in the sector. These policy briefs provide actionable recommendations for EU and national decision-makers, as well as a resource for industry stakeholders to guide their investments in standardization and sustainability.
