circular economy — what else?
The circular economy is one of the key components of the European Green Deal and the European Agenda for Sustainable Growth. Circularity is also one of the EU’s six environmental goals included in the EU taxonomy. European institutions have identified textiles as one of the highest resource-consuming sectors, putting pressure on them to become more sustainable. In this connection, the textile services sector deserves a closer look.
The European textile services industry is thousands of specialized laundry networks of various sizes, totaling around €11 billion. A classic full service includes the initial procurement of textiles or garments, followed by a textile circle for cleaning, repairing and supplying textile products on a daily or weekly basis. The European Textile Services Association (founded in 1990) acts as a representative for large multinational operators and national textile service associations.
For decades, textile services have been the product-as-a-service business model. This is the key to circularity and fundamental. Product longevity, supply chain localism, repair service and reuse options, and resource optimization are indeed part of the DNA of Textile Services. Today, many other sectors are looking to textile services with interest and respect.
For decades, textile services have been the product-as-a-service business model. This is the key to circularity and fundamental.
Leading by example in ongoing change
Over the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, textile services have been able to prove that their business model is essential. Localized supply chains serving critical industries and the healthcare sector were essential. Many industrial sectors (health care, hospitality, construction, security, etc.) use hygienically washed textiles and clothing to contribute to our well-being and health.
Industrial laundry has always been essential, but for many it is an invisible part of Europe’s infrastructure.
The industry also relies on a diverse workforce, of different ages, ethnicities and nationalities, all engaged in a variety of jobs. The textile services industry provides physical jobs, key engineering and technical roles in factories and transportation, as well as administrative, strategic and creative roles. We pride ourselves on everyone having a role to play in growing, learning and developing.
Industrial laundry has always been essential, but for many it is an invisible part of Europe’s infrastructure.
Circularity and Sustainability Inherent in Textile Services
Laundry process data highlights that the industry makes amazing strides as it evaluates its work and considers ways to improve its processes. The latest ETSA study on resource consumption benchmarked over 400 industrial laundries across Europe to identify continuous improvement and clear energy and resource benefits from using textile services.
In addition, a washing procedure optimized to the requirements and weight of textiles can extend product life to more than 50 washing cycles. With an average repair quota of 3-7%, integrated repair services extend the lifecycle of textile garments, thereby minimizing the extraction of virgin resources across global supply chains. Pooling textiles and reusing worn out clothing also extends the life of every fifth piece of clothing into his second life cycle.
What in our industry embraces this circularity commitment more than sourcing? Products designed to last, fabrics made for protection, durability, and repairability. , which is the basic requirement for maximum circularity. Most textile products in the industry are produced on demand, resulting in high inventory turnover. Minimize waste and eliminate losses compared to retail distribution models. This also means shorter, local and more efficient supply chains that are the cornerstone of tomorrow’s green economy. The textile services industry is also addressing sustainability through logistics using optimized routes, lorries and loading, all of which help reduce the overall carbon footprint.
close the loop
More than 60% of all textiles are recycled, according to ETSA’s latest resource consumption survey (2021). Of the used fabrics, 32% were delivered for direct reuse in goods and fabrics. 35% were shipped for other recycling options including tearing other products. A new ‘recycling hub’ for industrial textiles will play a key role. Working together, textile manufacturers and textile services can close this loop and minimize the amount left in the incinerator. Through all this, we achieve effective reductions in resource consumption and carbon emissions. Recycling, reuse, and even remanufacturing options also make business sense for our members.
More than 60% of all textiles are recycled, according to ETSA’s latest resource consumption survey (2021).
Clients are central to the future outcomes of textile services. As soon as the industry works more closely with our clients on sustainability and circularity, we will be able to cross major milestones. That said, there are some challenges that need to be addressed.
for example:
- We work closely with the textile and chemical industry to “detox” all (dyed) textiles.
- Collaboration with designers and producers who create remade products from used fibers.
- Further improve energy consumption and introduce smarter logistics and reverse logistics models.
Today we can all be agents of change and need to understand the importance of becoming more circular. Closing the loop between textile sourcing and disposal is at the core of the circular process. The textile services industry is not only tackling the first hotspot in the value chain. The industry controls both ends. Used textiles are on their hands, available in pre-sorted quantities, and can be efficiently delivered to different channels for recycling, upcycling or second life cycle.
In essence, circularity is where responsible industry is called upon to invest its commitments in the years to come, and where the EU Commission expects and strongly encourages full support.
ETSA Response to Green Digital Transition
ETSA shares a strong responsibility for what the future of textile services should mean for the economy and society. And in my role as President of the European Textile Services Association, this is definitely true and more relevant than ever.
The textile services sector can have a powerful influence on other sectors looking to become more circular and sustainable.
The textile services sector can have a powerful influence on other sectors looking to become more circular and sustainable. With ETSA taking the role of climate ambassador from his EU Commission since 2021, being circular and sustainable means looking not at the big picture, but at the quickest and most appropriate outcomes. In a world full of things, it means looking to the future.
