The announcement follows a three-year preparation and the release of a Techno-Economic Study which explored the business and environmental dimensions of enhanced textile recycling in the region.
The initiative, stemming from a meeting organized by Mango and EURATEX, brings together various stakeholders from the textile value chain, including textile manufacturers, fashion brands, recyclers, representatives from the chemical industry, and technology providers. The joint ambition is to recycle 2.5 million tons of textile waste by 2030, which would involve about 250 industrial projects throughout Europe focused on different methods of fibre-to-fibre recycling.
This initiative arrives in anticipation of the EU legislation, expected to come into force by 2025, which will require the collection and sorting of textile waste.
ReHubs Europe will be headed by Chris Deloof, who has extensive experience in the textile sector. Chris Deloof shared, “Being a part of ReHubs Europe, I look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders. Our shared goal is to work towards building a sustainable textile industry."
Alberto Paccanelli, Euratex President, commented on the launch of ReHubs Europe: “This initiative shows our commitment to adapting to a new business model in textiles. The combined effort of the entire textile value chain is evident in this initiative. I'd like to extend my gratitude to Robert van de Kerkhof (Lenzing) and Mauro Scalia (EURATEX) for their efforts leading to this point.”
ReHubs Europe will have its base in Brussels and will work in collaboration with EURATEX. The organization is open to membership from companies interested in textile waste recycling in Europe.
