The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) briefing, published in March 2025, provides a comprehensive analysis of the EU’s textile consumption and its environmental impacts. It highlights the pressing need for systemic changes in the textile industry to enhance circularity and sustainability.

The report reveals that the average EU citizen’s textile consumption increased from 17kg in 2019 to 19kg in 2022. This surge places textiles among the top five consumption categories exerting pressure on raw material use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and land use. While digital technologies offer potential efficiencies, they may also drive increased consumption through online platforms. The EEA emphasises the necessity for a shift towards higher quality, longer-lasting products, and improved reuse, repair, and recycling practices.

Key takeaways

• Average textile consumption in the EU rose to 19 kg per person in 2022.This increase reflects the continued demand for fast fashion and short-use textile products. It signals an urgent need to reduce consumption through product longevity and responsible consumer behaviour.
• Textiles rank fifth in environmental and climate pressures among household consumption categories. The textile lifecycle from production to disposal places high pressure on ecosystems, contributing significantly to CO₂ emissions, water stress, and land degradation.
• Digital technologies can both mitigate and exacerbate environmental impacts. While they can help trace supply chains and promote circular business models, digital platforms may also encourage overconsumption through targeted advertising and faster purchasing decisions.
• A systemic shift towards circular practices is essential for sustainability. The report calls for more robust reuse, repair, recycling infrastructure, and new business models that prioritise quality over quantity—transforming how textiles are designed, produced, and consumed.

This briefing serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities aiming to foster a more sustainable and circular textiles economy in the EU.

Access the full briefing here.