Fibre-to-fibre textile recycling is gaining momentum as a key driver for transitioning to a circular fashion industry. This shift will likely increase demand for post-consumer textile collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure in the EU, necessitating significant investment. The Sorting for Circularity Europe Project addressed this need by analysing textile waste characteristics and evaluating its potential for recycling. 

Findings indicate that about 38% of textiles placed on the EU market are collected separately, with around 55% of this collected amount prepared for reuse. However, a significant portion of these reused textiles face challenges: many items are deemed non-rewearable and are therefore downcycled or directed toward energy recovery instead. The project found that 74% of low-value post-consumer textiles, about 494,000 tonnes annually, are suitable for recycling across six European countries; Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, offering a €74 million yearly value if reintroduced into the textile value chain.

The study highlighted the opportunities for mechanical and chemical recycling to divert textiles from less sustainable destinations like downcycling or incineration. The project also sought to harmonise the sorting and recycling industries and stimulate new revenue streams for sorters while creating demand for recyclers and brands. It provided comprehensive data on post-consumer textile composition in Europe and aimed to scale circular solutions.

It also demonstrated that technological advancements like Near Infrared (NIR) sorting can optimise recycling by identifying fibre types. Initiatives like the Fibersort Project have also demonstrated the potential for efficient sorting of textiles. These developments will help meet the EU’s circular economy goals, enabling new business models, recycling infrastructure, and policy improvements.