Catalonia is positioned as one of the most active regions in the transformation of the European textile sector toward a circular model. This is demonstrated by the report. Territory Profile Catalonia, prepared within the framework of the European project SOLSTICE , funded by the program Horizon Europe of the EU.
This study is part of a comparative research developed in four territories: Catalonia, Berlin, Grenoble, and Prato. The objective is to analyze the dynamics of the textile ecosystem in each region and establish tailored strategies to promote circularity throughout the value chain. The initiative is coordinated by the SOLSTICE project consortium and has the active participation of Texfor, involved in promoting a sustainable and innovative transition in the sector.
In the Catalan case, the assessment highlights both the industrial consolidation of the sector and the challenges facing it in moving toward a more sustainable model. According to the study, The textile industry generates more than 90.000 jobs in Catalonia and represents a 5,6% of regional GDPHowever, the separate collection of textile waste is still limited: it is consumed 21,1 kg per person per year and are discarded 19,4 kg, of which more than 80% ends up in landfills or is incinerated.
Although the 81% of the population has access to repair, reuse, or recycling services within a 15-minute walk., there are significant territorial inequalities. Rural and less densely populated areas continue to have much lower coverage than more populated urban centers.
The study also analyzes consumer habits. While younger generations are influenced by social media, immediacy, and low cost, older consumers prioritize quality and trust in certain brands. Despite increasing environmental awareness, a stigma toward secondhand clothing persists, and many people are unaware of what happens to textiles once they are discarded.
Among the proposed actions to move towards a circular economy are:
The case of Catalonia demonstrates that moving toward circularity is not only necessary but also feasible if knowledge, commitment, and a shared vision are combined among all stakeholders in the sector.
You can read and download the full study here: