Over 1300 changemakers gathered at the Pasadena Convention Center for the 2024 Textile Exchange Conference, a flagship event in the industry.
A key takeaway from the conference was that sustainability is not merely an ethical choice but a strategic investment in future resilience. Nowhere was this clearer than in discussions around textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling – a critical component of the industry’s sustainable evolution. Andreas Dorner, General Manager of RE&UP, was at the forefront of these conversations, reflecting RE&UP’s commitment to advancing recycling technologies.
Andreas Dorner contributed to the Textile Exchange’s “Case for Change” report, particularly in the area of policy and regulation that supports T2T recycling. The report emphasizes the importance of legislation not just as a compliance mechanism but as a catalyst for innovation. Dorner and the RE&UP team recognize that coherent, well-crafted legislation is essential for scaling sustainable practices in the textile industry.
2024 marked a significant year for textile legislation with two major legislative developments taking place: the European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and California’s Responsible Textiles Recovery Act. These regulations are not just about limiting waste but actively encouraging companies to innovate. In the report, Dorner underscores that legislation, when designed thoughtfully, can transform the industry, pushing it from a linear to a circular model. “Legislation is finally accelerating this transformation, creating a framework that moves brands, retailers and retailers toward more sustainable solutions.” He emphasized the urgent demand for recycled materials, projected to exceed supply by 2030, underscoring RE&UP’s mission to help close this gap.
The Textile Exchange Conference 2024 perfectly encapsulated our commitment: viewing textile waste as a resource to embrace circular economy.
By aligning with global legislation and collaborating with industry partners, the approach to textile waste can be redefined, paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient future.