ETC/WMGE Report 1/2021: Plastic in textiles: potentials for circularity and reduced environmental and climate impacts

Publication date: 28 Jan 2021

Authors: Evelien Dils

This ETC/WMGE report provides the underpinning study for the EEA Briefing “Plastics in Textiles: towards a circular economy for synthetic textiles in Europe”.

Synthetic textile fibres are produced from fossil fuel resources, such as oil and natural gas. Their production, consumption and related waste handling generate greenhouse gas emissions, use non-renewable resources and can release microplastics. This report provides an overview of the production and consumption of synthetic textiles in Europe, analyses environmental and climate impacts, and highlights potential pathways for developing a circular economy value chain.

Download report: ETC/WMGE Report 1/2021: Plastic in textiles: potentials for circularity and reduced environmental and climate impacts — 2.57 MB