Implementing Circularity in the Supply Chain of Used Textiles

Abstract

A transformation to a sustainable textile industry requires circularity. The increase of textile consumption in combination with its highly polluting production phase, places a demand for material circulation. Textile collection, sorting and o set, in terms of the nal stage for the used textiles in the supply chain, are critical in enabling increased reuse and recycling of used textiles. These circular practises are today yet to be established, requiring innovative development. The European Parliament has addressed the challenge through the Waste Framework Directive which calls for advanced waste management in all member states. To accomplish this in the Swedish textile industry, the government has proposed an extended producer responsibility. By 2025, textile producers will be responsible for collection of all material put on the market. This bachelor's thesis from Chalmers University of Technology investigates the di erent roles of the stakeholders in the supply chain of used textiles. Taking on a Supply Chain Management perspective, this report outlines the textile handling activities of the interviewed actors and presents them in a clarifying ow-chart. Lastly, an analysis of the current system is performed through that same perspective in order to shed light on the obstacles and possibilities in the shift to a circular textile industry. The theoretical research of the study consists of a literature review where the fundamental pillars of a circular textile industry are investigated and studied, as well as the shortages of information and statistics discovered. Actors from various elds in the supply chain are interviewed regarding their activities as well as what they experience as barriers and enablers in their operations, today and in the near future. Currently, non-governmental organisations stand for the majority of the volumes collected and with a potential producer responsibility, it is expected that the volumes will increase. There are no constraints in regard to the amounts that can be collected, the obstacles rather stem from the sorting and later disposal of the textiles. This being a contributing factor to the vast numbers of volumes exported to developing countries or more e cient sorting facilities in Europe. Actors hope for an alteration in consumers mindsets since their possible demand for used textiles will help its end-of-life and decrease the collected volumes faster. Consumers might also a ect the circularity by indirectly in uencing the producers to manufacture sustainable goods that are easily recycled, with transparent operations. In order to enhance circularity in in Sweden, the actors involved in the textile industry, ranging from its production phase to its post-consumer phase, must collaborate in all aspects of the supply chain through streamlined operations. An increase in the capacity of Swedish textile circulation and thereby a transition to a circular economy, requires innovation and widespread information together with sustainable product design. The economic pro tability gained from the linear economy has been the reason for its breakthrough, and so the demand for value providing incentives for stakeholders, consumers and society as a whole, is necessary to drive the transition from a linear to a circular economy forward.