The Agenda for Recycled Content in Textile Products Is Gaining Momentum in Europe

In the European textile sector, a new regulatory approach aimed at supporting circular economy goals is coming to the fore. Recycling Europe Textiles, which represents the European textile recycling sector, advocates for the establishment of mandatory recycled content targets for textile products under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) prepared by the European Commission. This approach is expected to contribute to improving sustainability performance and reducing the environmental impact of textile products. In the position paper published by Recycling Europe Textiles, it is emphasized that, for ecodesign legislation to drive a structural transformation in the circular textile sector, recycled content ratios should be defined through gradual and binding targets. The proposals suggest that these targets should not be limited to specific product groups, but should instead establish a common implementation framework across the entire value chain. In this context, traceability tools such as digital product passports are expected to play a significant role in ensuring verification and transparency. This emerging approach aims to strengthen recycling and reuse infrastructures across Europe and to encourage the use of high-quality recycled raw materials in textile supply and production processes. The effective integration of circular economy–oriented regulations into the sector is considered a critical step toward sustainable textile production and consumption.