Europeans are buying and discarding more clothing and textiles than ever before, according to new data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). Despite growing concern about climate change and environmental degradation, consumption patterns in the EU continue to follow a fast fashion model — with serious consequences for sustainability.
In 2022, the average EU citizen bought 19 kilograms of textiles — comprising 8 kg of clothing, 7 kg of household textiles, and 4 kg of footwear. This marks an increase from 17 kg per person in 2019, a rise largely driven by the surge in online shopping and the influence of social media.
“Each EU citizen is effectively filling a large suitcase with new textiles every year,” notes the EEA in its briefing Circularity of the EU textiles value chain in numbers.
At the same time, the average citizen discarded 16 kg of textiles in 2022, contributing to a total of nearly 7 million tonnes of textile waste across the EU. Alarmingly, only 15% of that was recycled.
Nordic countries reflect EU-wide patterns — but with regional differences
The Nordic region is no exception to the EU-wide trends. In Sweden, for example, textile consumption remains high, and the country is preparing to implement new legislation banning the disposal of clothing in household waste starting from 1 January 2025. This legal change marks a significant shift, aimed at increasing textile collection and reducing the volume incinerated or sent to landfill.
Despite often being perceived as environmentally progressive, Nordic countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have among the highest per capita textile consumption rates in Europe. The prevalence of online shopping and the popularity of fast fashion chains contribute to this trend.
Nordic policymakers have taken a proactive stance: Sweden is currently piloting initiatives to improve textile sorting infrastructure, and Denmark has announced national strategies for circular textiles. However, challenges persist, especially when it comes to scaling up textile recycling technologies and promoting behavioural change among consumers.
Environmental pressures from textile production remain high
The EEA ranks textile consumption fifth among all categories of household consumption in terms of environmental and climate impact — behind only food, housing, mobility, and health. Textile production and disposal generate a broad spectrum of environmental damage: from high water and land use, to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, microplastics, chemical pollution, and air contamination.
The dominant business model of fast fashion — characterised by low-cost, short-lived garments produced rapidly using synthetic fibres — remains a key culprit. Influencer-driven marketing and algorithmic sales strategies on digital platforms have further accelerated the pace and volume of consumption.
While technologies such as 3D printing have the potential to make production more efficient, the EEA warns that cheaper production methods may ultimately encourage even more consumption.
Recycling legislation and circular economy strategies on the rise
In an attempt to counter this trend, the European Commission has introduced a textiles strategy aimed at promoting long-lasting, repairable and recyclable garments. Under this plan, all textiles sold in the EU by 2030 should meet criteria for durability and circularity.
From 1 January 2025, EU member states will be required to implement separate collection systems for textile waste. In Sweden, for instance, it will no longer be legal to discard clothing with household waste. Currently, most EU countries place the responsibility for recycling textiles on municipalities, but EU-level discussions are underway to shift this responsibility to producers under the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
The EEA notes that although the total volume of textile waste has remained relatively stable since 2016, the percentage being landfilled has declined — from 21% in 2010 to 12% in 2022 — while incineration has increased slightly. However, the vast majority of textile waste (85%) is still not collected separately, and thus cannot be effectively reused or recycled.
Used textile exports raise ethical and environmental concerns
The EU exported around 1.4 million tonnes of used textiles in 2023 — a volume that has remained constant since 2019, after nearly tripling from 2000 levels. These exports are officially intended for reuse or recycling, but studies indicate that many garments end up being burned or dumped in landfills, particularly in countries across Africa and Asia.
The EEA calls for a systemic shift in the textiles system: moving from fast fashion to slower, more sustainable consumption patterns. This transition will require coordinated efforts from industry, policymakers and consumers.
“Textiles must be designed to last, and systems must be in place to ensure they are reused, repaired and recycled rather than discarded,” the EEA emphasises.
As 2025 approaches, the effectiveness of EU-wide textile waste legislation will be closely monitored — with the hope of aligning Europe’s consumption habits with its climate ambitions.
