The management of textile waste It has become one of the most urgent environmental challenges for the fashion sector, the textile industry, and public administrations in Spain and Europe. Every year, the European Union generates millions of tons of textile waste, an amount that continues to increase due to the rise of fast-paced consumption and the low durability of garments.
The reality is worryingOnly a small portion of this waste is currently recycled, and most ends up in landfills, incinerators, or is exported to other countries, exacerbating both the environmental and social problems. This situation requires a rethinking of clothing production, consumption, and final disposal to move toward a much more sustainable model.
Innovations in recycling and recovery of textile waste
The industry and various administrations are currently betting on processes automated and technological to give a second life to textile waste. A prominent example is the new plant that texlimca is being built in Alzira (Valencia), considered a pioneer in Spain for its fully automated approach to preparing post-consumer textile waste. This facility, with an investment of over six million euros and supported by European funds, Next Generation and the PERTE of Circular Economy, will have capacity to process more than 4.000 tons annually through intelligent systems capable of identifying composition, color and eliminating non-textile elements.
The objective of these advanced systems It aims to facilitate sorting that allows materials to be recycled mechanically or chemically, thereby reintroducing secondary raw materials into the textile production chain. This, both companies and public administrations claim, is progressing toward circularity and creating new jobs, as is the case in Alzira, where this initiative aims to make the city a national benchmark for textile recycling.
Another interesting initiative is that of the company eldacork, located in Elda (Alicante). Originally dedicated to the manufacture of footwear platforms, it has diversified its activity and, together with the innovation consultancy Recykyo, elaborates Decorative panels and other construction products made from textile waste. These panels, which can incorporate up to 90% recycled textile wasteexemplify the recovery of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. The project also has the support of Aitex, which certifies the sustainability of the materials, and opens up new applications in sectors such as decoration, furniture, and even sports surfaces.
Regulatory push: new laws and extended producer responsibility
Faced with this scenario, public administrations have taken decisive steps. The new Royal Decree on the management of textile and footwear waste, currently in the public exhibition phase, sets the course for more efficient collection and greater producer responsibility. From 2025 and with phased targets until 2035, large retailers must reserve spaces for recycling in their stores and will impose new obligations regarding sustainable design, recyclability, and financing of waste management, including textiles that are improperly disposed of or mixed with other fractions.
The text also provides that, by 2030, at least 50% of the textile waste generated must be collected separately, increasing to 70% by 2035. It is also proposed that 20% (and subsequently 35%) of this selectively collected waste be prepared for reuse. The regulations even contemplate the application of fiscal instruments by the autonomous communities to encourage reuse and recycling, taxing or rewarding products based on their sustainability.
At the regional level, resources such as those being mobilized by Cantabria, through the public company MARE, which is tendering the acquisition of specific containers for the separate collection of textile waste, with a view to complying with the Law on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy. More than 70 municipalities have expressed interest in joining the system before collection becomes mandatory by state law.
Brand responsibility and progress in circularity
In the business world, alliances and projects are emerging to promote the use of recycled fibers and the responsible transformation of textile waste. The firm Mango has invested in the start-up The Post Fiber, a pioneer in the recycling of post-consumer textile waste, and has launched a collection for its youth line made with 80% recycled materials, some of which is recovered from containers. They are also exploring innovative dyeing techniques that reduce environmental impact, and have set themselves the goal of achieving 40% recycled fibers in their products by 2030.
Other companies and institutions are investing in fiber-by-fiber recycling and the recovery of difficult-to-process materials, such as polyester and nylon. An example of this is the work of the Italian firm Aquafil, which produces yarns from waste products such as fishing nets and carpets. chemical recycling technology It allows for the creation of new textile products and extends the lifespan of materials, although challenges still exist related to the blending of fibers and components in the original garments.
Industrial projects and new materials
Interest in circularity and sustainability has led companies such as the Portuguese Others to enter the textile sector through the acquisition of the Swiss start-up AeoniQ, a specialist in biodegradable fibers. In addition to participating in the development of Industrial plants To manufacture these materials, Altri considers recycling textile and agricultural waste as raw materials for its new production lines, reinforcing Europe's position in the responsible textile value chain.
Globally, the industry still faces technical and design challenges. Many garments are not designed to be recycled and combine complex materials. Extended Producer Responsibility as new regulations seek to encourage brands to bet on Durable, recyclable, and remanufactured designs.
Implementing a circular economy in the textile sector requires a comprehensive collaboration between administrations, businesses, and consumers. Regulations, innovation, and changes in consumer habits are key tools for moving toward a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible textile sector.
