Managing end-of-life textiles is a major environmental and societal challenge. In Belgium, each resident discards an average of 10 kg of clothing per year, a figure expected to rise following the European requirement, in effect since January 1, 2025, for the selective collection of textiles.

Key points:

• Social economy enterprises play a crucial role in collecting, sorting, and processing used textiles, maximizing reuse.

• The rise of fast fashion and ultra-fast fashion complicates second-hand sales due to lower-quality, low-cost garments.

• The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles will oblige producers to cover end-of-life management costs for their products.

• Innovative initiatives promote repair, reuse, and improved recycling methods.

The “End-of-life textiles: challenges and solutions for a circular future” webinar will address these topics, offering insights into creating a more sustainable future and highlighting circular economy levers and circular practices in Wallonia.

Program:

• Introduction – Philippe Colignon (Centexbel)

• The Walloon framework: circularity drivers – Jean-Marc Aldric (SPW ARNE)

• Context and strategy in Wallonia: prioritizing ultra-local reuse – Franck Kerckhof (RESSOURCES)

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): a real challenge for textile stakeholders – Virginie Santilman (SPW ARNE)

• Les Réparables: a new concept for durable clothing repair in France – Blandine Barré (Les Réparables)

• Textile recycling – Philippe Colignon (Centexbel)

• Conclusion and acknowledgments – Philippe Colignon (Centexbel)

The Circular Economy Meetings aim to raise awareness and foster a shared understanding of the circular economy and its challenges. Their fundamental goal is to encourage and support the adoption of circular practices within the Walloon economy. Over the course of these Meetings, participants gain deeper knowledge and skills regarding the various circular economy levers.