Textile production has increased steadily over the last decades. The produced volume of fibers has increased from 22 million t in 1970 to 101 million in 2020 (this corresponds to a fivefold increase). The growth is even more remarkable when considering synthetic polymer fibers, which have grown from 5 to 70 million t in the same period (this corresponds to a fourteen-fold increase). Despite these considerable quantities, textiles were not given any attention in EU regulations for a long time. Recycling processes are completely underdeveloped and business models such as “fast fashion” fuel fiber consumption. With the amendment of the Waste Framework Directive in 2018, textiles have come into focus and massive changes are expected in the coming years. Efficient collection systems have to be established and recycling schemes have to be developed and put into operation. Additionally, economic measures and increased consumer awareness are necessary to push for a more sustainable textile production and end overconsumption. The debaters will discuss the urgent needs regarding the handling of end-of-life textiles.
Our Guests:
Assoc.Prof. Dr. Vera AMICARELLI University of Bari
Dr. Andreas BARTL TU Wien
Mag. Agnieszka KUDERER ETIA student, TU Wien
Matthias NEITSCH CEO Repanet
Mag. Eva Maria STRASSER Austrian Economic Chambers, Fashion industry
Moderation:
Dr.cand. Magdalena KLOTZ ETH Zürich
