Addressing the second-hand textiles crisis

The second-hand textiles sector in the EU faces mounting challenges. Oversaturation of the market, rising operational costs, and the influx of low-quality fast fashion are threatening social enterprises, environmental sustainability, and inclusive job creation. Without swift intervention, key parts of the textile reuse and recycling ecosystem are at risk of collapse.

RREUSE, alongside its members Emmaüs Europe, Ressources, and TESS GEIE, has co-signed a policy paper urging policymakers to act decisively. Supported by Zero Waste Europe, the paper presents actionable recommendations, including fair Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and interim financial measures to sustain the sector until more robust solutions are in place.