Systemic Barriers and Strategic Opportunities in the Transition to Circular Textile Waste Management in the EU

The research identifies twelve critical barriers to effective textile waste management, categorized into four themes: regulatory complexities, infrastructural and technological limitations, economic and operational constraints, and consumer-related issues. Key challenges include fragmented regulations across EU member states, underdeveloped recycling infrastructure, circular solutions outpriced by linear models, and low public awareness. These systemic issues hinder the sector’s ability to scale sustainable practices and comply with emerging legislation. Despite these challenges, the study highlights nine actionable opportunities for development, also grouped into four themes. These include leveraging regulatory momentum to drive circularity, investing in advanced recycling and sorting technologies, expanding circular business models such as resale, repair, and upcycling, and fostering consumer engagement through education and incentives. Collaboration across the value chain and the establishment of localized recycling hubs emerge as critical enablers for addressing inefficiencies and building resilient systems. The findings emphasize the need for a systemic, multi-stakeholder approach to transition the EU textile sector toward circularity. Harmonizing regulations, scaling infrastructure, and fostering behavioral change among consumers are essential to mitigate environmental impacts and align with sustainability goals. By providing actionable insights and practical recommendations, this research contributes to the broader discourse on circular economy practices in the textile industry and offers a roadmap for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of this transition.