To gain a better understanding of the environmental impacts associated with the stages in the processing of used textiles, household linen and footwear (CHF) and the various outlets, Refashion has published a study conducted in collaboration with Deloitte Conseil.

The environmental report on the EPR sector for used TLC from household consumption is part of an approach to transparency and impact measurement. It is based on an analysis of the life cycle (LCA) of almost 200 tonnes of TLC collected in 2023, representative of the flows processed in the sector. For the first time, this study includes flows of used footwear.  The methodology used provides a more in-depth analysis than that used in the last environmental impact study published in 2022. This new methodology has been subject to an independent critical review to ensure its robustness. The results show that the sector is effective in reducing the environmental impact of the end-of-life of used TLC

-420,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent avoided

According to the results of the study, the EPR sector generates a net benefit for the environment. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water consumption and pressure on fossil and renewable resources avoided are greater than those generated by the operation of the sector itself.  

Specifically, 420,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent were avoided in 2023, thanks to collection, sorting, second-hand and recovery, i.e. 2.1 kg CO2 eq. per kg of CHF collected.

This environmental benefit is mainly observed for clothing and household linen (2.4 kg of CO2 eq. avoided per kg collected) and to a lesser extent for footwear (0.50 kg of CO2 eq. avoided per kg collected), which do not offer as many second-hand or recycling solutions. 

By outlet, second-hand (reuse) remains the main driver of impact reduction by avoiding the exploitation of new resources and the manufacture of new CHF, followed by material recycling via textile fraying - which also avoids the production of new fibres.

By including updated data from the sector for 2024, the study highlights an even greater environmental benefit, with 480,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent avoided in total.

A compass to speed up the transition

The study constitutes an essential reference base for the eco-organisation and all the stakeholders in the sector. The aim of this assessment is to speed up the transition to a circular economy by facilitating decision-making and supporting innovation with a view to environmental progress.  

Discover the 2023 & 2024 summaries

Summary of the environmental performance based on 2023 data

Summary of the environmental performance based on 2024 data