This study examines the environmental consequences of implementing textileto-textile recycling at scale in the EU by 2035, as this is viewed as a key solution in thesustainable development of the European textile sector. Three research questions areaddressed: (i) How likely is it that increased textile-to-textile recycling reduces climateand water deprivation impacts, (ii) What is the extent of these reductions (if any), and(iii) What are the most influential parameters affecting the results? The method used isa consequential life cycle assessment (LCA), coupled with a Monte Carlo analysis tosystematically address uncertainties.
Results show a 92% probability that increasingtextile-to-textile recycling to 10% in the EU will reduce climate impact and an almost100% probability that it will lower water deprivation impact. Sensitivity analyses indicateclimate-impact reduction probabilities ranging from 62% to 98%, and water deprivationimpact reduction probabilities consistently above 99%. While recycling is likely to reduceclimate impact, there is a notable risk of an increase. On average, climate impact would bereduced by about 0.5%, and water deprivation impact by slightly more than 3%, relative tothe estimated impact of current textile consumption in the EU. These reductions increase ifthe textile recycling sector focuses on producing fibers with low climate and water impactor high replacement rates are ensured. Still, additional measures beyond recycling areneeded to cut the textile industry’s environmental impact substantially.
A-rapport, A2778.