EU tripled exports of used textiles reveals a new report
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Between 2000 and 2019, the amount of used textiles exported from the EU tripled, from a little over 550,000 tonnes to almost 1.7 million tonnes, according to ‘EU exports of used textiles in Europe’s circular economy’ published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The latter is equal to 3.8 kg per person, which is about 25 percent of the 14.8 kg of clothing, footwear and household textiles consumed per person in 2020.
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Textile waste is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. Used textiles can be recycled, reused, or repurposed, but a significant proportion still ends up in landfills or incinerated, causing environmental and health risks. The EEA report highlights the importance of reducing textile waste generation, increasing the recycling of used textiles, and promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Key Findings From the Report:
The amount of used textiles exported from the EU has tripled over the past two decades, from slightly over 550,000 tonnes in 2000 to almost 1.7 million tonnes in 2019.
The amount of used textiles exported in 2019 was on average 3.8 kilogrammes per person, or 25% of the approximately 15 kg of textiles consumed each year in the EU.
In 2019, 46% of used textiles exported from the EU ended up in Africa. Textiles primarily go to local reuse as there is a demand for cheap, used clothes from Europe. What is not fit for reuse mostly ends up in open landfills and informal waste streams.
In 2019, 41% of used textiles exported from the EU ended up in Asia. Most of these textiles are directed to dedicated economic zones where they are sorted and processed. The used textiles are then mostly downcycled into industrial rags or filling, or re-exported for recycling in other Asian countries or for reuse in Africa. Textiles that can not be recycled or re-exported likely end up in landfills.
