#Recycling / Circular Economy

2025-08-07

The Foundation signs a joint letter on the EU Circular Economy Act

Today, the European Commission has launched a crucial Public Consultation for its upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA). The Foundation has joined a coalition of seven leading European civil society organisations to issue a joint statement calling for an ambitious and transformative piece of legislation.

The highly anticipated Circular Economy Act, expected to be proposed in Q4 2026, is a cornerstone of the EU's broader Clean Industrial Deal package, which aims to position the EU as the world leader in the circular economy by 2030. This new act will build upon the foundation laid by the 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan, which has already spurred significant legislative initiatives in areas like product design and waste management.

The joint statement is a collaborative effort by seven prominent European civil society organisations: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Environment Coalition on Standards (ECOS), European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), Reuse and Recycling European Union Social Enterprises (RREUSE), Zero Waste Europe. The statement aims to ensure that the Act fully embeds circular economy principles in Europe’s entire economic system.

The statement reinforces the role of the circular economy as key for the EU to reach its three main priorities: competitiveness, strategic resilience, and decarbonisation. It urges the European Commission to ensure that the upcoming EU Circular Economy Act delivers an ambitious, systemic shift in how Europe manages its material use, specifically with three asks:

+ Set science-based targets on resource use.

+ Harness the potential of keeping products and components in use, not just materials.

+ Accelerate safe material circulation by integrating chemical and circular economy legislation.

The publication of this joint letter marks a significant moment in the journey towards a more circular and sustainable Europe. It underscores the urgent need for robust legislation that can accelerate the transition and secure the EU's leadership in the global circular economy.

The letter:

https://content.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/m/4859b348f9745f3d/original/Circular-Economy-Act-Letter-Aug-1-2025.pdf?_gl=1*ximztn*_ga*NzkzNDE0MTQwLjE3NTQ1OTcxMjI.*_ga_V32N675KJX*czE3NTQ1OTcxMTkkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTQ1OTc1OTQkajUyJGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTIxMjY1MTg1LjE3NTQ1OTc1ODc.

Building Prosperity: Unlocking the potential of a nature-positive, circular economy for Europe Business and nature to reap rewards from circular urban spaces

The report, ‘Building Prosperity: Unlocking the potential of a nature-positive, circular economy for Europe’, calls for the adoption of six circular strategies to transform Europe’s built environment. This will boost economic activity, increase climate resilience, and make cities more vibrant places to live and work.

The textile industry in transition

Recycling, traceability, eco-design and digitalisation are among the key future challenges facing the European textile industry. The Erasmus+ project Skills4Circularity, involving 21 partners from twelve countries, is investigating the skills required to address these challenges. As the German industry partner, the Industry Association for Finishing – Yarns – Fabrics – Technical Textiles (IVGT) is bringing the industry’s perspective to the project.

"We will become a recycling powerhouse"

The textile industry is now in its fourth consecutive year of crisis, while automation, artificial intelligence and recycling are reshaping the rules of the game. In this interview, Rieter CEO Thomas Oetterli discusses the first signs of a market recovery, reflects on his first three years at the helm of the company, explains the integration of Barmag, outlines Rieter’s vision of the fully automated spinning mill and highlights the strategic importance of recycling. In doing so, he explains why the new Rieter Group aims to play a leading role in transforming the textile value chain into a circular economy.

Countdown to Textiles Recycling Expo 2026: Brussels prepares for Europe’s textile recycling gathering

With only two weeks remaining until the start of the second edition of the Textiles Recycling Expo 2026, preparations are entering the final phase. The exhibition and conference, dedicated exclusively to textile recycling and circularity, will take place on 24–25 June 2026 at Brussels Expo and is expected to attract stakeholders from across the textile recycling value chain.

Indorama Ventures enables brands to scale circular textiles through proven, traceable supply chains

Indorama Ventures, a global leader in recycled polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, will exhibit at Textiles Recycling Expo in Brussels on June 24–25. At the event, the company will show how brands and textile manufacturers can build traceable, circular textile supply chains by working with proven partners who deliver recycled materials on an industrial scale.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.