Europe’s textile industry will converge at the Textiles Recycling Expo 2025 on 4-5 June, aiming to accelerate recycling strategies in the sector.
Hosted at Brussels Expo, the event seeks to foster partnerships among stakeholders and showcase sorting, shredding, and recycling technologies.
Organisers highlighted the pressing challenge of textile waste during Tuesday’s event presentation.
Recent European statistics indicate that citizens consume nearly 26 kg of textiles annually, discarding around 11 kg. Astonishingly, only 1% of used clothing is recycled into new textiles.
Textiles Recycling Expo 2025 aspires to drive circular economy initiatives by gathering industry leaders, says Robert van de Kerkhof, CEO of collaboration centre ReHubs.
"We are at a critical juncture. The textile sector is in crisis, and its path to recovery lies in the circular industry," he emphasised. "In the European Union, we must build capacity to reduce waste in the industry."
ReHubs aims to recycle 2.5 million tonnes of textile waste in Europe by 2030.
The Expo aims to realise these goals by offering a collaborative platform and showcasing best practices. Over 110 European and international exhibitors will present cutting-edge technologies, including fibre manufacturing and chemical and mechanical recycling.
Karla Basselier, CEO of Belgian federation Fedustria, stressed the importance of collaboration.
"We strongly believe textile businesses must share practical information, expertise, and collaborate across the supply chain. The circular economy knows no national boundaries."
