Textile trade New association promotes clothing recycling in Switzerland

A newly founded association is planning to boost clothing recycling in Switzerland with an advance recycling contribution. Seven companies from the textile industry are involved.

Seven companies from the textile and clothing industry have founded the Fabric Loop association to promote the circular economy in Switzerland. The aim is to support the reuse, repair and recycling of textiles through an advance recycling contribution. The founding members include Calida, Mammut, Odlo, Pkz, Radys, Switcher and Workfashion.

The association is aiming for a comprehensive system that starts at the production stage. The aim is to finance the necessary infrastructure and technologies by introducing recycling contributions when products are purchased. The exact amount of these contributions has not yet been determined, as the costs of closing the loop must first be calculated.

Harmonization with the EU

Fabric Loop plans to harmonize the Swiss system with the EU market in order to enable cross-border cooperation. In the long term, foreign online platforms and all market participants should also contribute to financing. Comprehensive industry solutions are to be introduced in the EU from 2026, which will also affect Swiss companies that export to the EU.

PET recycling as a role model

The successful PET recycling system serves as a model for the planned textile recycling system. "We want to build on existing successes," explains Nina Bachmann from the Swiss industry association Swiss Textiles, which is supporting the project. Before the industry solution can be implemented, however, preliminary legal and organizational work is necessary. The association plans to lay the groundwork by 2025, recruit additional companies and develop the business model.

SDA