Increasing the use of recycled textiles through business models and policies

Abstract: The current textile industry is among the most polluting industries and actions should be taken to decrease these negative impacts. One issue that should be addressed is the increasing amount of textile waste. Post-consumer textiles are often incinerated or downcycled due to many factors. In order to move towards a circular clothing system, businesses and policy makers play a major role. The purpose of this research is two-fold: identifying how business models can be adjusted to increase textile recycling; and exploring which policies have the potential to increase recycling. The exploratory variable-based approach provides researcher with real-world insights and an understanding of the textile recycling market. Business model adjustments are proposed using the Circular Business Model Canvas framework developed by Lewandowski (2016). Additionally, a policy package is proposed consisting of Mandatory EPR, consumer information and customer convenience.