Exploring the Environmental Impact of Textile Recycling in Europe: A Consequential Life Cycle Assessment

This study examines the environmental consequences of implementing textile-to-textile recycling at scale in the EU by 2035, as this is viewed as a key solution in the sustainable development of the European textile sector. Three research questions are addressed: (i) How likely is it that increased textile-to-textile recycling reduces climate and water deprivation impacts, (ii) What is the extent of these reductions (if any), and (iii) What are the most influential parameters affecting the results? The method used is a consequential life cycle assessment (LCA), coupled with a Monte Carlo analysis to systematically address uncertainties. Results show a 92% probability that increasing textile-to-textile recycling to 10% in the EU will reduce climate impact and an almost 100% probability that it will lower water deprivation impact. Sensitivity analyses indicate climate-impact reduction probabilities ranging from 62% to 98%, and water deprivation impact reduction probabilities consistently above 99%. While recycling is likely to reduce climate impact, there is a notable risk of an increase. On average, climate impact would be reduced by about 0.5%, and water deprivation impact by slightly more than 3%, relative to the estimated impact of current textile consumption in the EU. These reductions increase if the textile recycling sector focuses on producing fibers with low climate and water impact or high replacement rates are ensured. Still, additional measures beyond recycling are needed to cut the textile industry’s environmental impact substantially.