New report: Circularity is the key to a sustainable fashion and textile industry in the Nordic Region
A new report from the Nordic Council of Ministers takes a closer look at the potential for creating a sustainable fashion and textile industry in the Nordic Region.
There’s no doubt that the fashion and textile industry is a very resource-intensive sector associated with high CO2 emissions and the insatiable consumption of water, energy and land. It’s an industry that’s growing, too, and there’s little sign of this slowing down any time soon. So, what can be done to reduce the industry’s climate and environmental impact? A new report published by The Nordic Textile Collaboration surveys initiatives in the Nordic countries and points to the potential of closer co-operation within the Nordic Region. The survey shows that there are many interesting and innovative initiatives in all parts of the textile value chain across the Nordic Region, but that most measures are small and nationally orientated.
We must learn from each other
“It makes very good sense for the Nordic countries to come together, learn from each other and act together,” says project co-ordinator Louise Munkholm.
She sees considerable potential for sharing knowledge about circular business models, as the lack of circular skills and tools in the Nordic Region is a very concrete barrier to a more sustainable textile economy. Consumption patterns, circular design and the handling of textile waste are just a few other examples of areas where the Nordic countries can learn from each other and find solutions together. For this reason, the report also indicates that a rethink of the entire value chain is in order if we’re to develop a more sustainable and circular textile economy.
Two initiatives on the way
Based on the report’s findings, The Nordic Textile Collaboration has launched two initiatives to support the Nordic fashion and textile industry in its transition to a circular practice. One initiative will identify and remove barriers to circular business models, while the other will ensure knowledge sharing on circular best-practices across the Nordic Region and across the value chain for textiles.
The work is network-orientated and all stakeholders can participate freely to help steer the focus of the project in the future. Find out more about the work of The Nordic Textile Collaboration and how you can get involved by clicking on the link below.
The Nordic Textile Collaboration is a collaboration between the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish authorities, financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The project addresses common environmental and climate challenges associated with the increasing consumption of textiles in the Nordic countries.
