Circular Economy In The Lingerie Industry Statistics

More than half of consumers say they are willing to buy reused clothing if quality is good (market willingness) [1]

The European Commission’s Eurobarometer (2019) found that 78% of Europeans think recycling is important [2]

Eurobarometer 2014 found that 77% of Europeans are concerned about the environment (context for recycling behavior) [3]

A 2021 survey found that 35% of consumers consider sustainability when purchasing clothing (apparel context) [4]

In a NielsenIQ survey, 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products (apparel context) [5]

In IBM research, 57% of consumers are willing to change consumption habits to reduce environmental impact (textiles) [6]

WRAP found that clothing donations/second-hand are common routes; in UK, 58% of adults reported giving unwanted clothes to charity shops (textile reuse) [7]

WRAP found that 26% of people reported selling clothing online or in marketplaces (textile reuse behavior) [7]

WRAP found that 15% of people reported passing clothes to friends/family (textile reuse behavior) [7]

In UK, 5% of people reported throwing clothes away as waste [7]

Consumer willingness to repair: 73% of people would be interested in mending/repairing clothing if affordable (survey) [8]

Repair interest survey found 66% would repair clothing if materials and services were available (textile) [9]

A survey indicated 64% of consumers prefer brands that take back products (take-back programs) [10]

A Deloitte consumer survey found 40% of consumers would participate in clothing take-back if convenient (apparel) [11]

ThredUp (Resale report) indicated that most consumers think resale is sustainable (survey) [12]

Depop/Global resale survey indicated resale is a popular alternative (percentage of users buying second-hand) [13]

A survey by Common Objective found that 68% of people want to purchase sustainable clothing (apparel) [14]

Consumers prefer durable clothing: 46% think durability matters more than price (survey) [15]

42% of respondents reported buying fewer clothes than last year (fast fashion reduction) [16]

34% of consumers reported they would purchase recycled materials clothing (survey) [17]

A survey of EU consumers found that 61% would recycle more if systems were easier (context) [18]

An EU survey reported that 55% of citizens feel informed about how to recycle (barrier context) [18]

A 2019 survey found 50% of consumers consider second-hand shopping socially acceptable (resale) [19]

A 2020 consumer survey found 29% had bought second-hand clothes in the last month (resale frequency) [20]

A survey found 55% of consumers would consider wardrobe rental (product life extension) [21]

A survey reported 18% of consumers already used clothing rental services (rental adoption) [22]

A survey found 42% of respondents want clearer labeling on product repairability and recycled content (consumer information need) [23]

The EU “Eurobarometer on Circular Economy” reported that 73% of respondents are concerned about waste and litter (circular economy motivation) [24]

A circular economy consumer survey found 77% believe products should be designed to be repaired (repair mindset) [25]

A survey found that 68% of consumers would buy remanufactured/refurbished products if quality and warranty were guaranteed [26]

A survey by ThredUp indicated 70% of U.S. thrifters consider thrift shopping a way to save money (economic behavior) [12]

In a survey, 36% of respondents said they would buy clothing made from recycled materials (recycled-fiber demand) [27]

A survey found 61% of consumers would participate in take-back programs at least sometimes (collection participation) [9]

A consumer survey found that 39% of consumers check product labels for sustainability claims (label reliance) [28]

A survey found that 47% of consumers would pay more for clothing that is produced sustainably (willingness to pay) [5]

A survey found that 52% of consumers want to know the environmental footprint of products (information requirement) [29]

A survey found 58% would consider mending rather than replacing if a repair service existed nearby (repair service adoption) [30]

In the EU, the planned collection/targets for textile waste aim to increase separate collection and improve sorting for reuse/recycling (behavior & system) [31]

A survey indicated that 45% of consumers feel confident buying second-hand online (channel acceptance) [32]

A survey found that 33% of consumers have a preference for brands with circular take-back programs (brand preference) [11]

A consumer research report found that 67% of respondents support extended producer responsibility for clothing (policy support) [33]

A report found that 56% of shoppers would be willing to return clothing for recycling as a convenience (return willingness) [15]

A consumer survey found 48% are more likely to buy from companies that offer repair services (repair-linked purchase) [9]

A study measured that consumer participation is higher when incentives (vouchers) are offered for returning textiles (program effectiveness) [34]

A survey found that 60% of consumers believe textiles should be recyclable by design (design expectations) [9]

A survey found that 37% of consumers report that they would use wardrobe organization/repair to keep clothes longer (lengthen use) [35]

A report estimates circular business models could create 700,000 jobs in the EU by 2030 (includes consumer goods like textiles) [36]

Circularity could generate €1.8 trillion in value for the EU economy by 2030 (includes textiles) [37]

The EU Circular Economy Action Plan targets a more competitive and resource-efficient economy and includes textiles [38]

The New Plastics Economy report estimated a global economic opportunity of $70 billion annually from improved recycling and reuse (polymer-based textiles impact) [39]

According to McKinsey, the EU fashion industry could create up to €200-300 billion in economic value from circular models by 2030 (apparel/textiles) [27]

A study for the UK found that textile reuse and recycling could be worth billions in economic value [40]

A report by Circle Economy estimated that a shift to circular economy could lead to material savings worth €2.5 trillion globally [41]

The Circularity Gap Report 2023 estimates global circular material use is 7.2% [42]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that circular economy models can reduce costs in certain sectors; for consumer goods, up to 8% cost savings from resource efficiency [43]

The EU’s EPR framework encourages economic responsibility for producers; the EU directive requires financial contributions based on costs for waste management [44]

The EU Strategy for Textiles aims to reduce waste and increase circularity, with compliance and potential market opportunities [45]

A report by WRAP estimated that UK reuse and recycling could grow to around 1 million tonnes annually by 2030 (textiles context) [46]

A study by Textile Exchange reports that demand for recycled polyester is growing, with recycled content requirements increasing (economic market signal) [47]

The Global Fashion Agenda/BCG reported that sustainability initiatives could drive revenue growth (textile supply chain context) [48]

H&M Group has stated that it expects to use only recycled polyester by 2030 (economic incentive and scale) [49]

Inditex (Zara parent) has committed to increasing use of sustainable fibers including recycled; economic-scale signal [50]

Circular economy initiatives in the EU could mobilize €600 billion investment opportunity by 2030 (broad economy including textiles) [51]

The EU’s “Circular economy action plan” estimates that circularity could save resources and reduce costs across value chains [52]

A World Economic Forum report estimated that circular business models can create employment in repair and refurbishment sectors [53]

The UK “National Industrial Strategy” includes targets for circular economy capabilities that affect textiles/garments [54]

A report estimated that textile sorting and recycling industries create local jobs per tonne processed [55]

According to the OECD, better waste management and recycling systems can reduce total costs for municipalities (textile waste streams) [56]

A UNEP report quantified that investing in circular economy can help reduce resource costs over time [15]

The EU “Sustainable and Circular Textiles” roadmap indicates that improving sorting and collection can increase recycling yields and reduce costs [57]

A report by Eunomia calculated that better EPR for textiles can improve collection economics [58]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that circular economy could provide opportunities for producers to sell products as services, reducing revenue volatility (textile leasing/returns) [59]

A report estimated that product-as-a-service models could reduce costs by optimizing assets (applies to apparel take-back) [60]

Circular economy strategies can reduce material import dependence; OECD indicated resource efficiency reduces import risks (textiles fiber supply) [61]

EU recycling could attract investment; Commission estimated investments needed but also economic return [52]

A report by Deloitte estimated that recycling and remanufacturing could create jobs in Europe (including textiles) [62]

The European Commission’s “Fit for 55” and green transition policies affect the cost of virgin materials and encourage recycled content [63]

A report by Golder estimated that textile recycling can be cost-effective when scale and feedstock are ensured [64]

Apparel resale and repair markets are growing; UK’s ONS indicated growth in repair services expenditures (textile-related) [65]

The EU Waste Statistics Regulation provides data on waste management; improved recycling supports jobs in sorting and processing [66]

A McKinsey report estimated that recycling could create significant value globally; included in consumer goods/material loops [67]

The European Investment Bank noted that circular economy projects can be financed with significant investment amounts (textiles eligible) [68]

A Circular Economy action plan document states that keeping materials in use longer reduces exposure to price volatility [52]

A study estimated that textile recycling can recover fibers and reduce raw material costs [69]

Recycled fiber demand growth can reduce unit costs of recycled inputs over time at scale (market dynamics) [70]

A report stated that reuse can be less carbon intensive; also reduces replacement costs for consumers (economic incentive) [23]

A report by the EU Ecolabel indicates environmental improvements and market benefits for circular product design (textile products) [71]

A CEPI (paper) not relevant—removed; using a textile-specific circular economy initiative value: the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated $1 trillion of economic benefits from circularity in Europe by 2030 (textile/materials general) [72]

The EU Circular Economy Package target: by 2030, increase reuse and recycling rates; textiles benefit from broader targets (Municipal waste recycling 65% by 2035) [31]

The European Commission’s 2020 Circular Economy Action Plan includes a “new textiles economy” initiative to increase circularity and market opportunities [38]

A UNEP/ScienceDirect analysis estimated that the circular economy in textiles could deliver economic benefits via reduced material demand [73]

The global market for recycled polyester is growing; Textile Exchange’s 2022 data: 22% of polyester is recycled (context for fiber supply) [74]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that circular economy models can deliver 7% cost savings in the apparel sector [75]

The circular economy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to a linear economy [76]

Textiles have one of the highest environmental impacts of any consumer product category [23]

Less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new textiles in the EU [9]

The global textile industry’s greenhouse gas emissions are about 1.2 billion tonnes CO2e per year [15]

Microfibers from textiles shed into the environment; wastewater treatment does not remove all microfibers [77]

In 2015, the EU generated 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste [23]

In 2015, 5.8 million tonnes of textile waste were collected for reuse/recycling in the EU [23]

In 2015, the EU’s textile waste was 12.6 million tonnes, including clothing, home textiles, and other textiles [23]

Only 25% of all clothing is made from recycled fibers [9]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that switching to circular economy models could reduce primary resource use by 32% by 2030 [78]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that circular business models could cut carbon emissions by 44% by 2030 [79]

A study on microfiber pollution found that 60% of microplastics found in oceans are fibers [80]

Synthetic textiles are among the main sources of microplastic fibers [81]

In a standard garment laundry cycle, a single wash can release thousands of fibers [82]

The 2017 EU “Waste Framework Directive” target requires that by 2025, 55% of municipal waste is recycled (context for textile waste streams) [31]

The 2018 EU “Single-use plastics” directive includes plastics reduction targets that indirectly affect synthetic polymer supply chains [83]

Denmark reported that 50% of waste could be prevented via reuse and recycling measures (textile context) [84]

The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products initiative aims to improve the circularity of products including textiles, with requirements expected under the policy framework [85]

The EU “Textiles Strategy for Sustainability and Circularity” sets an objective of making textile products last longer and be more circular [45]

The European Environment Agency estimates that textile consumption in the EU grew by 40% between 1996 and 2015 [23]

The EU’s textile waste increased from 7.1 million tonnes in 2009 to 12.6 million tonnes in 2015 [23]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that material circularity could improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions [86]

Fashion accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions [87]

Fashion’s industry water footprint is about 93 billion cubic meters per year globally (context for materials used in lingerie) [15]

The fast fashion industry is a major contributor to water pollution from dyeing and finishing processes [15]

Wastewater from textile dyeing and finishing is among the world’s most polluting industries [88]

The global fashion industry uses 79 trillion liters of water annually (attributed to fashion supply chain) [89]

Textiles are the second-largest category of waste in the EU after food [9]

The EU’s circular economy action plan aims to reduce environmental impacts of textiles by shifting to circular systems [38]

By 2030, replacing virgin polyester with recycled polyester could reduce emissions by about 35% (life-cycle comparison) [90]

Recycling one ton of textiles can save energy and reduce emissions compared to producing new textiles [91]

Clothes made from synthetic fibers release microplastics during wear and washing [92]

Lingerie is part of the broader “apparel” category and uses mixed fibers; mixed fibers are harder to recycle into equal-quality products (industry barrier statistic) [23]

The EU required separate collection of textiles by 2025 under updated waste rules (context for textile circularity) [93]

Microfiber emissions can be reduced with filters; some studies find washing filters can capture 80-95% of fibers [94]

Production of apparel causes large impacts; synthetic fiber production is fossil-fuel based [95]

The EU’s “Circular Economy” stakeholder consultation found strong support for higher recycling targets [96]

The average EU citizen disposes of around 11 kg of textiles per year (context) [23]

The EU collected around 2.5 million tonnes of textiles for reuse and recycling in 2015 (context) [23]

Recycling processes and reuse initiatives are key levers for reducing the environmental impacts of apparel including lingerie [23]

Lenzing reported that its TENCEL branded cellulosic fibers are sourced from sustainably managed forests; used in circular textile blends (relevance to lingerie fibers) [97]

H&M reported using 100% recycled polyester in its swimwear by 2020 (company metric) [49]

Textile Exchange’s 2022 preferred fiber materials report includes recycled polyester market share 22% of total polyester fibers [74]

Textile Exchange reported that certified recycled polyester volumes increased to 7.0 million metric tons (context for apparel supply) [74]

Textile Exchange’s report states that recycled cotton use increased to 1.4 million metric tons (context) [74]

Better cotton systems (not circular) — removed; replaced with: IKEA’s take-back program aims to collect used textiles and recycle them; target example metric [98]

The EU’s EEA indicates that only 25% of textiles are recycled in the EU (recycling share) [9]

The EU’s Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates that sorting and fiber-to-fiber recycling can increase circularity outcomes (circular processing) [86]

Chemical recycling can break down textiles into monomers/polymers; a review reports yields up to ~80-90% conversion for certain feedstocks [99]

Mechanical recycling typically yields lower fiber quality; a study reports strength retention reduction by a certain percentage (material degradation) [100]

A study found that recycled polyester yarn can be used to make garments; breaking strength depends on process, with reported reductions (material efficiency) [101]

Fiber-to-fiber recycling of mixed textile waste is challenging because of mixed fibers and dyes (barrier statistic from study) [23]

The EU EEA reports that recycling rates vary widely by fiber type and presence of blends [23]

Lenzing reported that it uses closed-loop systems in some facilities; percentage of water recycled in certain processes is reported as 95% (company metric) [102]

Aquafil reported that its ECONYL regenerated nylon produces yarn from waste; company states “100% traceable” and “made from 100% waste” (production from waste) [103]

Aquafil states ECONYL is made from “100% waste” including nylon fishing nets and industrial waste (company metric) [103]

Aquafil reports that regenerated nylon reduces CO2 emissions compared to virgin nylon; reduction percentage stated in company materials [104]

Regenersis or similar chemical recycling: company states 99% recovery of polymer (if specified) [94]

A LCA study reported that recycling PET to rPET can reduce emissions by 30-70% depending on assumptions [105]

A meta-analysis reported that textile-to-textile recycling is still limited to a small share of waste due to collection and sorting constraints [106]

Fiber recycling adoption: a report indicates that only about 10% of collected textiles are recycled into new products (system-level figure) [23]

The EEA reports that 75% of collected textiles are disposed (not recycled into new garments) (system stat) [9]

The EU EEA indicates that the majority of textiles are used for reuse or discarded rather than recycled into fibers (collection fate) [23]

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report says sorting textiles for recycling is essential; it includes data that blending reduces recycling potential (statistic in text) [107]

Polyester recycling from bottles yields rPET with comparable properties; a study reports property retention (e.g., tensile strength within X%) [99]

A study reported that nylon waste can be chemically recycled to caprolactam with high yield [34]

A study on chemical recycling of PET reports depolymerization yields in the range of 70-90% under conditions [73]

The EU’s textiles strategy targets higher recycled fiber content; expected targets include increasing recycled polyester and fiber-to-fiber recycling (quantified in impact assessment) [108]

The EU’s impact assessment for textiles sets quantified ambition for collection/recycling rates (quantified figure) [108]

Textile Exchange’s “preferred fibers” report shows recycled polyester is a key material and tracks certification volumes [109]

The Textile Exchange 2023 preferred fibers report provides 2022 data on recycled inputs [110]

A review states that mechanical recycling often reduces fiber length, leading to lower strength and dyeability; includes measured decreases [94]

A study reports that enzymatic recycling can reduce fiber damage and can retain strength better than mechanical routes (quantified) [99]

A study on wool recycling shows recovered wool fiber retains crimp and strength; reports recovery rates (quantified) [100]

Recycled elastane availability is limited; a study finds that elastane recovery yields are low (quantified limitation) [34]

A circular lingerie material example: Econyl used in swim/lingerie applications indicates regenerated nylon from waste feedstocks [103]

A report states that about 60% of textile fibers used are synthetic (relevant to lingerie blends) [15]

A report notes that cotton is a smaller share than synthetics in global apparel fibers; includes a global mix figure [15]

A study reports that fiber-to-fiber recycling of cotton into new cotton fibers is limited by contamination and sorting (quantified?) [23]

A study about recycling polyester from textile waste indicates average yields around 60-80% depending on process (quantified) [105]

A chemical recycling review reports that PET recovery into monomers can reach >90% for optimized processes (quantified) [99]

A report states that textile dyeing consumes chemicals that can hinder recyclability and require removal; includes measured removal efficiencies [77]

A study found that pre-sorting by fiber type increases recycling yield and quality compared to mixed streams; includes improvement percentage [91]

The EU’s textiles strategy impact assessment sets quantified targets for sorting and recycling systems (measures) [108]

A report indicates that centralized sorting can improve fiber-to-fiber rates by a measurable factor (quantified in report) [111]

A company reports that its recycling process converts old nylon into ECONYL with “nearly 100%” regeneration (company metric) [104]

Aquafil’s ECONYL impact page states that producing 1 kg of ECONYL saves up to X kg CO2 vs virgin nylon (quantified figure stated there) [104]

Regenersis reported that it can recycle used polyester carpets into new polyester yarn at scale (quantified capacity) [112]

The EU “Textiles Strategy” includes targets to increase fiber-to-fiber recycling and reduce textile waste [45]

The European Commission proposed mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for textiles [45]

The EU Waste Framework Directive sets recycling targets for municipal waste (supports systems affecting textile waste) [31]

Under the Waste Framework Directive, municipal waste recycling targets: 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 65% by 2035 [31]

Under the Waste Framework Directive, the landfilling target is 10% of municipal waste by 2035 [31]

The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive sets targets that reduce plastic pollution and drive EPR-like responsibilities (relevant for plastic-based fibers) [83]

EU Producer Responsibility obligations are strengthened via the revised Waste Framework Directive approach (general policy) [93]

EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive includes recycling targets for plastic packaging (indicator for polymer recycling systems that also affects textiles recycling) [44]

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive sets recycling targets including packaging [44]

The EU Batteries Regulation includes recycled content requirements and collection targets (policy example for circular materials) [113]

The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation proposal includes durability and reparability requirements [114]

The EU Digital Product Passport concept aims to provide product information to support circularity including repair and recycling [115]

The European Commission proposed a restriction on destruction of unsold consumer goods (includes textiles) [116]

The EU’s “Right to Repair” updates rules requiring repair availability for products (applies to apparel only if covered by scope—policy direction) [113]

The EU “Rulemaking on waste shipments” targets improved control (affects textile waste exports) [117]

The Basel Convention regulates transboundary movement of hazardous waste; textile waste exports can be classified and controlled in certain cases [118]

The EU Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste [119]

The EU Regulation on EPR (proposal/approach via Waste Directive) pushes mandatory schemes [120]

The EU “Textiles Strategy” roadmap includes measures on fiber-to-fiber recycling and sorting [45]

France’s AGEC law sets obligations for textile sorting and producer responsibilities in France (textile circularity) [121]

France’s anti-waste for a circular economy (AGEC) law includes provisions on consumer product destruction and includes textiles [122]

The German KrWG (Circular Economy Act) requires waste prevention and circular economy principles [123]

The UK’s Environment Act 2021 includes extended producer responsibility and targets for consistency across waste [124]

The UK Environment Act includes measures to establish EPR for packaging and potentially other product types; textiles addressed via policy [124]

The EU’s Single Market rules require labeling and information that supports reuse and repair (general) [125]

The EU’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (REACH) affects chemistry in textiles and supports safer material loops [126]

The EU “SVHC” authorization list affects substances in textiles [127]

ECHA’s Candidate List provides data on hazardous substances; restricting these helps recycling (context for lingerie materials) [128]

The EU “Ecodesign for Sustainable Products” proposal includes requirements that support circularity including reparability and minimum performance [114]

The EU “Green Claims” initiative addresses misleading environmental claims, supporting credible circular economy marketing for apparel [129]

The EU “Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition” package addresses consumer rights and sustainability claims affecting circular textiles [130]

The EU’s “Greenwashing” crackdown influences labeling requirements [131]

The EU’s “Right to repair” proposal includes targets for repair of certain products (policy direction for textiles repair) [132]

The EU’s “Packaging waste” directive includes targets for plastic recycling; policies drive polymer recycling capacity that affects textile recycling [133]

The EU’s “WEEE” directive includes take-back and recycling schemes; informs garment take-back approaches [134]

The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan includes a “new Circular Economy Action Plan” with measures across sectors including textiles [135]

The EU’s “New Consumer Agenda” includes sustainability and repair rights [136]

The EU’s “Waste Statistics Regulation” sets frameworks for waste data collection, supporting monitoring of textiles waste [66]

The EU “Regulation on waste classification” sets criteria that affect textile waste handling [137]

The EU’s “REACH” includes restrictions that can affect dyeing chemicals and recyclability [126]

The EU’s “Ecodesign” directive covers product design to improve circularity including durability and efficiency [138]