Europeans are buying more clothing, home textiles and shoes than ever before, according to a report published on Wednesday.
In 2022, Europeans purchased an average of 19 kilograms of textiles, says the report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Eight kilograms were clothing, seven were home textiles and four were shoes. The overall amount is two kilograms more than in 2019.
The production and consumption of textiles exert significant pressure on the environment and climate. This is due to the use of certain materials, water and land consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, chemicals and microplastics.
6.94 million tonnes of waste
In the same year, EU Member States generated 6.94 million tonnes of textile waste, which equates to 16 kilograms per person. The total quantity of textile waste produced has remained stable since 2016.
"These data highlight the need for policymakers, industry and consumers to play their part in helping Europe move away from fast fashion and produce better quality, more durable textiles designed to last longer, be reusable, repairable and recyclable," the EEA emphasised.
"The average collection of textile waste in the EU has slowly increased, rising by 4.3 percentage points since 2016. However, overall, the collection of these wastes has remained low," the report continues. "In 2022, 85% of textile waste was not collected separately, ending up in landfills or incinerators where it cannot be reused or recycled."
An EU directive that has been in force since 1 January requires selective collection of textiles to improve their management and reduce their environmental impact. This directive is aimed at encouraging reuse and recycling.
