Textile recycling and social inclusion initiatives launched in Italy

In Milan, the Erion Textiles consortium has launched the ‘Raccogli-AMO’ pilot project to facilitate textile waste collection directly within retail stores. Fifteen major fashion brands have joined the initiative, which aims to increase consumer awareness and test the operational requirements of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for the fashion sector, expected to be implemented in Italy by December 2026.

In Alessandria, the ‘FIBRA’ social tailoring workshop has been established to promote economic autonomy and job placement for women in vulnerable situations. Building on previous training workshops, this initiative transitions from educational sessions to a productive business model. The social cooperative La Ruota will manage operations, with the brand Borsalino serving as the workshop's first client. The project focuses on sewing, repair, and fabric reuse, while providing support services such as babysitting to assist mothers in participating in the workforce.