Textile Durability Discussions at the Textiles 2030 Circular Summit
John Roberts, Director of Roberts Recycling and Executive Committee Member of the Textile Recycling Association (TRA), recently attended the Textiles 2030 Circular Summit, a key industry event that brought together brands, recyclers, and policymakers to discuss the future of textile sustainability.
Focus on Product Durability Amidst EPR Delays
With the postponement of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes beyond 2030 and some resistance to voluntary alternatives from retailers, the summit shifted its focus towards improving product durability—an approach that Roberts Recycling fully supports.
Speaking at the event, John Roberts shared his insights:
“Over our 15 years in the industry, we’ve seen a noticeable decline in clothing quality. While fast-fashion brands often take the blame, it’s important to acknowledge consumer demand for cheaper, trend-driven clothing, which has also fuelled this shift.”
Proposing a Voluntary Durability Standard
One proposal from the summit was the introduction of a voluntary ‘durability’ badge or seal, which would identify garments that meet strict quality standards. This initiative could help consumers make informed choices while reducing the number of low-quality textiles entering the recycling stream.
John Roberts sees this as a positive step towards tackling waste at its source:
“A system like this could make our job easier and help tackle the issue at its source. We’ll be watching this space with interest.”
Working Towards a More Sustainable Future
Roberts Recycling remains committed to driving forward circularity and sustainability in the fashion and textile industry. By engaging in these vital conversations, we continue to advocate for practical, industry-led solutions that will improve textile quality, reduce waste, and support a more responsible supply chain.
To learn more about the work of the Textile Recycling Association (TRA) and its role in shaping the future of textile recycling, visit:
🔗 Textile Recycling Association
For more on how Roberts Recycling supports sustainable solutions for brands, retailers, and businesses, visit:
🔗 Roberts Recycling
