Italian textile industry sustainability initiatives

Stakeholders in the Italian textile sector are addressing the environmental and economic challenges posed by fast fashion and waste management. Industry operators, including Humana People to People Italia and Assoambiente, are advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations that ensure the economic sustainability of textile collection, sorting, and recycling. During the ‘Impianti Aperti’ event, stakeholders emphasized that the upcoming EPR system must prioritize garment reuse, support local infrastructure, and guarantee the traceability of used clothing exported outside of Europe to combat declining material quality caused by ultra-fast fashion.

Practical applications of these circular principles are emerging through retail and social initiatives. In Milan, the Erion Textiles consortium launched the ‘Raccogli-AMO’ pilot project, involving fifteen major fashion brands to facilitate textile waste collection in retail stores and test operational requirements ahead of the expected December 2026 EPR implementation. Additionally, the ‘FIBRA’ social tailoring workshop in Alessandria has transitioned from training to a productive business model managed by the social cooperative La Ruota. This project focuses on sewing, repair, and fabric reuse to promote economic autonomy for women in vulnerable situations, with the brand Borsalino serving as its first client.

Complementary efforts to promote sustainable fashion continue through educational literature and community events. Discussions have focused on the rise of polyester, the impact of microplastics, and heavy resource consumption. The ‘Rivestiti!’ festival in Rimini showcases ethical alternatives through workshops on garment reuse, swap parties, and discussions regarding labor rights involving the UnicheUnite association and the Clean Clothes Campaign.