A Nordic View on the EU Textile Strategy
Brussels, 26 March 2025 – Policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability experts convened at the European Parliament for the event “Re-Shaping Fashion Industry: Nordic View on the EU Textile Strategy”, hosted by MEPs Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP) and Rasmus Nordqvist (Greens/EFA). Organised by EURATEX, Global Fashion Agenda, Finnish Textile & Fashion, Danish Fashion & Textile, and TEKO Swedish Textile & Clothing, the event created a platform for high-level exchange on how to shape a competitive and sustainable European textile sector.
Here’s our key takeaways.
Evidence and Metrics: Tracking Circularity in the EU Textile System
Lars Fogh Mortensen of the European Environment Agency presented the newly launched EEA briefing “Circularity of the EU Textiles Value Chain in Numbers”, which introduces 14 metrics to assess progress on circularity.
His presentation highlighted three key challenges:
- Persistently high consumption levels—19 kg of textiles per person annually.
- 16 kg of textile waste generated per person, with growing volumes of exports.
- A need for systemic change—towards longer use, higher quality, better repair and reuse, and scalable recycling.
He also emphasized the dual role of digitalisation—as a potential enabler but also a source of environmental pressure—and the importance of measurable, actionable data to guide effective policymaking.
Nordic Business Cases: Sustainability in Action
Three Nordic frontrunners shared practical examples of how sustainability is embedded in their strategies:
- Sports Group Denmark (Denmark) explained their integration of science-based targets, focus on transparency tools, and the urgent need for supply chain data availability. Their sustainability dashboard informs product decisions, and they advocate for harmonised metrics and predictable legislation to build confidence in investments.
- Pure Waste Textiles (Finland) showcased a fully circular model based on 100% recycled textiles, primarily from pre-consumer waste. CEO Jukka Pesola stressed the need for ambitious but realistic legislation that supports innovation without creating disproportionate burdens. Key policy requests included clear product scope (starting with consumer textiles), recognition of pre-consumer waste as legitimate recycled input, and stronger market surveillance to tackle non-compliant imports.
- Södra (Sweden) presented their OnceMore® process that combines textile waste with forest-based fibres. While pioneering industrial-scale textile-to-textile recycling, they warned that current End-of-Waste criteria risk halting innovation. Policy needs include: harmonised collection systems, standards for recycled fibres, and clear incentives for circular materials.
These companies demonstrate that sustainability is already a viable business strategy—but upscaling requires coherent legislation, investment support, and a functioning internal market.
From Business Cases to Better Policy
A high-level discussion between Dirk Vantyghem (EURATEX) and Federica Marchionni (Global Fashion Agenda) echoed a strong call for policy frameworks that are rooted in business reality.
“We must develop a viable business case for sustainable textiles. These companies show us what is possible, but more needs to be done. Legislation must be coherent and implemented across the global value chain to ensure a level playing field, we must promote the demand for sustainable textiles through the Circular Economy Act, and we must develop incentives to reward those companies who invest in sustainability. The future of our industry depends on turning sustainability from a cost into an opportunity” said Dirk Vantyghem.
Supporting the Industry through Inclusive Policy
In a special intervention, MEP Paulo Cunha (EPP) reaffirmed the European Parliament’s commitment to the textile sector, underlining its relevance across fashion, health, automotive, construction, and agriculture. He called on all parliamentary committees to consider the implications of textile policies and ensure inclusive, cross-sector support.
Conclusion
The event made clear that the European textile and clothing sector is ready to lead the sustainability transition. But leadership requires collaboration—between policymakers, innovators, and value chain partners. By starting from concrete business practices, the EU can shape a legislative framework that is both ambitious and achievable, ensuring that sustainability becomes a business case, not a burden.
