The research paper ‘Unlocking the Circular Economy Potential in the Textiles and Fashion Industries of Japan: Opportunities for European Businesses’ by Manuel Herrador and Mayu Imanishi, published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, examines Japan’s distinctive approach to the circular economy (CE) in the circular textiles and fashion (CTF) sector. It highlights how Japan’s traditional ‘mottainai’ culture centred on minimising waste has evolved into a modern system of circular practices supported by technology, recycling, and reuse.

The paper explores Japan’s textile industry against the backdrop of major demographic and economic changes, with domestic sales declining from 15 trillion yen in 1991 to 8 trillion yen in 2020 and consumption patterns increasingly shifting towards imported mass production. In response, Japan has leveraged both its cultural heritage and innovation capacity to advance circularity through initiatives like second-hand retail networks, repair culture, and advanced chemical recycling. The paper also underscores the need for deeper collaboration with the EU to enhance sustainable textile practices through shared frameworks and policies.

Key Takeaways

• The paper develops a collaborative EU-Japan framework to strengthen circular textile and fashion systems through shared innovation and policy alignment.
• Japan’s circular textile practices build upon the traditional ‘mottainai’ philosophy while integrating digital resale platforms and advanced recycling facilities.
• Toray has pioneered recycling technologies capable of separating feathers and textiles, while Uniqlo’s large-scale collection initiative recycled one million garments by 2022.
• The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation serve as complementary frameworks for EU-Japan cooperation, encouraging durability, repairability, and fibre recycling.
• The study identifies barriers to collaboration, including differing consumer behaviour, regulatory frameworks, and the high costs of circular technology adoption.
• Japan’s artisanal expertise and innovation culture position it as a catalyst in advancing global textile circularity and sustainable industry transformation.

The writers conclude that Japan’s blend of traditional craftsmanship, technological innovation, and sustainability commitment provides a strong foundation for future EU-Japan cooperation. By aligning policy, innovation, and circular business models, the two regions can accelerate the global shift towards sustainable textiles.

To read the full paper, visit the Journal of Cleaner Production page for 'Unlocking the Circular Economy Potential in the Textiles and Fashion Industries of Japan: Opportunities for European Businesses' by Manuel Herrador and Mayu Imanishi.