The European Commission has launched the ‘RESet the Trend’ campaign, aiming to transform the textiles sector into a more sustainable and circular economy. This initiative addresses the environmental challenges posed by the fashion industry and encourages both industry stakeholders and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways

• Environmental impact of textiles: The textiles sector ranks as the fourth highest in environmental and climate impact, following food, housing, and transport.
• Massive textile waste: Annually, 5.8 million tonnes of textiles are discarded in the EU, equating to 11.3 kg per person.    
• Low recycling rates: Globally, only 1% of materials used for clothing are recycled into new garments.
• Consumer empowerment: The campaign emphasises the role of consumers in driving change through daily choices, such as buying fewer clothes, opting for quality over quantity, and embracing second-hand fashion.
• Actionable steps: The ‘Take Action and Become a Role Model’ guide offers practical advice, including repairing clothes, organising clothing swaps, and choosing sustainable materials.
• Community engagement: By sharing personal stories and sustainable practices, individuals can inspire others and contribute to a broader movement against fast fashion.    

The ‘RESet the Trend’ campaign represents a significant step by the EU to address the environmental challenges of the fashion industry. By combining policy initiatives with consumer engagement, the campaign seeks to foster a more sustainable and circular textiles sector.  

Explore the full campaign here: RESet the Trend and discover actionable steps to become a role model: Take Action and Become a Role Model.