Toward the European Union 2030 Strategy for Textiles: A Review

The European Union 2030 Strategy for Textiles is a framework aimed at creating a sustainable and circular textile industry. This strategy includes a vision for 2030 where textile products are long-lived, recyclable, and made of recycled fibers while being free of hazardous substances and compliant with social rights. However, the strategy also presents challenges that require the adoption of comprehensive transformations across supply chains, governments, and societies. This study analyzes the scientific literature on circular and sustainable textile industry initiatives within the European Union’s Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles. A systematic literature review has been carried out to combine scientific insights with legislative analysis. Results show that more research is needed to determine the optimal technology for a Digital Product Passport for textiles (Action #1.2); and that issues such as standardizing consumer information and engagement in the circular economy remain unresolved for empowering consumers in the textile green transition (Action #2.1); that the Extended Producer Responsibility for textiles still needs to be examined from various perspectives due to upcoming legislative implementations (Action #3.1); and that understanding how to implement circular business models while maintaining profitability is crucial for textile companies (Action #4.3). Managers and policymakers can use this article to better understand how scientific literature can support the implementation of the European Union's Strategy for Textiles.