Textile Circularity
Ireland has introduced its first National Policy Statement and Roadmap on Circular Textiles for the period 2026 to 2028. The plan aims to reduce textile waste and support the shift toward a more circular economy.
One of the key steps in the roadmap is changing who is responsible for managing textile waste. By April 2028, producers and retailers will need to cover the costs of collecting and processing used textiles. This approach is expected to reduce pressure on public systems and consumers, while also encouraging brands to adopt more sustainable production methods.
The policy also highlights the importance of better product design to increase the lifespan of textiles. It promotes practices such as reuse, repair, and recycling across the entire value chain. Government officials believe this will make the fashion industry more responsible for the waste it creates.
In addition to policy changes, Ireland is launching a nationwide awareness campaign to guide consumers. The campaign encourages people to sort and donate their used textiles properly through charity shops, clothing banks, and local collection centres.
Biotechnology company Carbios has successfully demonstrated the use of its enzymatic biorecycling technology for textile-to-textile recycling.
Researchers have developed “super silk” by modifying the diet of silkworms to prevent silk from shrinking and losing its shape…
Primark has expanded its women’s shapewear range with the launch of a new collection developed in collaboration with The Lycra…
Biotechnology company AMSilk is preparing to increase the large-scale production of its silk proteins through its partnership with Ajinomoto Foods…
H&M has introduced a denim collection made with Tencel | Circ with Refibra technology, demonstrating the potential of textile-to-textile recycling…
Spain-based research centre AIMPLAS is developing new enzyme-based recycling methods for marine plastic waste through its Oceanzyme project.