Reuse by far the best option for the climate

This is Maja Nellström - Project manager at IVL - Swedish Environmental Research Institute. Her team recently published a report examining and comparing climate impact from reuse (second-hand), recycling and incineration.

A recent study by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute has provided a comprehensive assessment of the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of various methods for managing textiles collected in Sweden. The research focused on reuse and recycling practices both within Europe and internationally, as well as the option of incineration and it show that reuse is by far the best option for the climate.

The findings indicate that reusing textiles offers the most significant climate benefits, regardless of whether the reuse occurs in Europe or elsewhere. This advantage is primarily because the highest environmental impact arises during the manufacturing phase of clothing. Extending the lifespan of garments through reuse reduces the need for new production, thereby diminishing the associated environmental footprint.

The study also examined the environmental implications of recycling compared to incineration with energy recovery. While recycling textiles can lead to lower water consumption—benefiting processes like cotton cultivation—the difference in climate impact between recycling and incineration in Europe is relatively minimal.

Beyond environmental considerations, the research highlighted the economic and social advantages of the second-hand clothing market. For households with limited budgets, this market provides both income opportunities and access to affordable apparel.

The study underscores the importance of ensuring that exported textiles are genuinely reused and not merely disposed of in importing countries. A high rate of disposal among exported textiles can diminish the environmental benefits of reuse. Additionally, the longer a garment is used and the more it replaces the need for new clothing, the greater the environmental advantage.

These insights are particularly pertinent in light of Sweden’s new legislation mandating the separate collection of textiles, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. The law aims to promote sustainable handling of collected textiles, and this study provides valuable guidance for stakeholders involved in textile management decisions.

In conclusion, the report advocates for prioritizing textile reuse over recycling and incineration to achieve the most favorable environmental outcomes. It also calls for careful consideration of the quality and destination of exported textiles to maximize their sustainability benefits.

Link: The IVL-Report