Threads of change: Perspectives on a systemic transformation in the textile sector

Policymakers, industry representatives and associations, civil society, youth and academics assembled in Brussels on 16 May to reflect on how to shift the textile sector towards sustainability and circularity.  

The event co-hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) heard perspectives from across the textile value chain on the systemic changes needed to tackle the industry’s significant environmental footprint.  

Every year, the textiles sector emits 2 to 8 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases, uses the equivalent of 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools of natural water resources, and is responsible for 9 per cent of the microplastic pollution in oceans.