The rehubs initiative was launched in 2020 by the European Textile and Clothing Association (Euratex) in order to address the enormous problem with textile drop in Europe. Now it seems a big step in this goal: Towards the end of the month, a new strategy is to be presented, which is also a tactical action plan for the industrialization of the circular economy of the textile industry until 2032.
According to Rehubs, the new strategy should be an “industry-wide roadmap and a portfolio of initiatives that aim to enable textile-to-textile recycling on a large scale and to overcome the current imbalance between supply and demand”. Because currently Recyclers have “difficulties without scaling brand bonds”, while brands hesitate to commit themselves without reliable and competitive offers.
“The textile industry is faced with an urgent need for systemic changes. The new strategy of reehubs is designed to go from isolated initiatives to a coordinated, industry-wide implementation and conversion of the ecosystem. By combining the cooperation of stakeholders: Inside with direct measures related to infrastructure, finance and politics, we can scale the textile-to-textile recycling and transform the waste problem in Europe into an opportunity, ”comments Rehubs CEO Robert van de Kerkhof in a press release.
Coordinated, industry -wide efforts to overcome the standstill between supply and demand
The strategy is based on two pillars: end-to-end delivery chain management and the coordination of financing. The former comprises the tightening of fragmented collective, sorting, recycling and manufacturing processes, while the latter is about mobilization and risk reduction of the five to six billion euros in public privates that are required to scale the infrastructure. This can only be achieved through the inclusion of brands, private investments and public funds.
The aim is to “deliver reliable amounts of recycled fibers at transparent costs and in transparent quality”. Specifically, Rehubs hopes to recycle 2.5 million tons of textile waste by 2032, which corresponds to about 35 to 40 percent of the annual textile drop in Europe. Up to 10,000 new jobs would be created throughout Europe, which would position itself in the worldwide leader in the circular economy of textiles.
Six strategic levers were identified to achieve this goal. This includes the harmonization of industrial standards, research, political interest groups, financing and investment mobilization as well as the establishment of brand alliances. “Together, these levers will create the prerequisites for establishing a reliable supply of raw materials, clear standards, stronger cooperation and growing trust in recycled textiles as high-quality, scalable solution,” hopes the initiative, which is supported by collective and recycling companies, brands, pros, technology provides and investor: inside.
“This is a crucial decade for the European textile industry. Circular economy is no longer just a vision, but an urgent infrastructural challenge. With the new strategy of reehubs, we will lead the industry with the clarity, coordination and collective strength that are necessary to transform waste, resistance and competitive advantages”, sums up Alain Poincheval, chairman of Rehubs.
The complete strategy will be officially presented on September 22, 2025 and presented in front of it on the Dornbirn Global Fiber Congress and the Circular Textile Days.